Pedestrians-Only Newbury Street Coming This Summer

Boston, MA - Anyone who's ever envisioned a car-free walk down Newbury Street is set to get their wish this summer -- for one day, anyway.

After alluding to the possibility during a Twitter Q&A with the mayor last week, the city now confirms it is pursuing that option sometime this summer.

Reports The Boston Globe, the plan has been in the works for months and would close at least part of the street to traffic for a one-day pilot program. The mayor's office hopes to announce the official date by mid-June.

In the meantime, the mayor's office and the city are soliciting ideas from the public on what they would like to see and do on a closed-to-traffic Newbury Street.

Depending on how much public engagement and interest results, the Globe reports, the concept could expand.

So far, the idea had gained plenty of traction online, with Twitter users reaching out to the @BOS311 account to cheer the idea and even ask for year-round, pedestrian-only access. Others are not such big fans, noting that parking is already few and far between in the shopping-heavy neighborhood or pointing out other city shopping districts that could benefit more from the increased foot traffic.

Back Bay residents: What do you think? What questions do you have about the proposed street closure? Tell us in the comments here, or email our reporter: alison.bauter@patch.com