Cambridge Trying To Tackle Growing Number Of Vacant Storefronts

CBS Boston

March 25, 2025

By the close of 2024 there were 109 store vacancies across Cambridge with the city saying dozens more have been dark for half of a decade. Now the city council is trying to find ways to fix the issue, but they are finding themselves a bit hamstrung.

On March 11, the city council held a meeting to discuss concerns about the storefronts. As a municipality, they cannot tax owners for keeping vacancies, however, the council began drafting an ordinance to ensure vacant property owners keep clean conditions, place paper or art in the windows, and register vacant property with the city.

There are 19 vacancies alone in Central Square. Soon, Hilton's Tent City will make 20. The outdoor store will soon close.

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