Project could limit Main Street parking in Monson

MONSON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A meeting in Monson Tuesday night is aiming to inform the public about a state plan to rebuild Main Street and nearly a third of the street’s parking could disappear.

The $17 million project aims to make downtown safer and more accessible, but some say they’re concerned.

“Most days, even the municipal lot across the street is pretty full,” said KappaCardStore owner Michael Brothers. “I mean, I’m looking over there right now, and there’s, like, a couple spots open, and it’s a Tuesday morning. On the weekends, there’s nowhere to park.”

MassDOT’s plan would revitalize nearly a mile of Route 32, expanding sidewalks, adding crosswalks, and improving drainage. It would also include a shared path for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Out of just over 100 parking spots along Main Street, 33 parking spots would be removed. That has business owners like Brothers worried that loss could drive customers away. Business owners and residents alike said the loss of parking would do more harm than good.

“It’s tough because I don’t have my own parking lot, so I kind of rely on the street parking,” Brothers said. “I would say it definitely impacts it a little bit. There’s a lot of people that do walk, but this area, you have to be able to drive to be able to get anywhere, so the parking’s pretty important.”

A timeline on the project is unclear at this time.