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smashey t1_itl9wit wrote

Central square has always been grimy (at least since I started spending time there around 1996 or so) but it also hosted a lot of very unique and useful retail. Dance complex, record stores, cafes, great restaurants, Pearl/Blick, Cantab and so forth.

I am not surprised that the situation with the ne'er-do-wells has deteriorated to the point where shops are moving out. To those who are saying 'good riddance to Starbucks', I share the sentiment, but what is stopping 1369 of succumbing to the same fate? Or artists and craftsman supply, or the falafel place, or Life Alive?

I personally have zero confidence that either the police or social workers can transform Central into a place free from open drug use and constant harassment. All I know is that addiction is incredibly powerful and nobody should have to live around that shit.

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coweatman t1_itmnqfg wrote

when is 1369 even open anymore?

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mtmsm t1_itmw3du wrote

They just extended their hours: M-F 7-3, weekends 8-4

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coweatman t1_itn1k6z wrote

it seems like it's closed literally every time I'm in central. I'd like to give them some money for coffee.

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Hyperbowleeeeeeeeeee t1_itn2721 wrote

Crime in Cambridge has been falling for most of that period until the Pandemic.

https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Images/policedepartment/2016CrimeStats.png?h=295&mh=500&mw=500&w=500

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smashey t1_itn4utf wrote

In my experience most of the incidents that would make me never visit Central do not rise to the level of crime, and certainly not crime I'd report to the police.

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thedude2024 t1_itpgxtb wrote

Late 80’s and early 90’s- the crime rate was triple what it is nowadays.

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sawbones84 t1_itrh5v9 wrote

I mean if Life Alive wants to close (and stop opening new stores in every goddamn corner of the city) I'd be fine with that.

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