Putnam Avenue.
If, as he expects, the public is granted right-of-way access to Putnam Avenue through the imminent settlement of a case currently in the state’s Land Court, a neighborhood business owner proposes to brick and otherwise beautify the walkway between West Cedar and Charles streets.
Chris Pederson, proprietor of Charles Street Liquors at 143 Charles St. and the UPS Store at 139 Charles St., said Charles Street Liquors, Sovereign Bank and private individuals, including Karen Cord Taylor, have already committed to help underwrite the rehabilitation project.
And if the plan comes to fruition, Pedersen said besides the new brickwork, the walkway would be adorned with refinished gaslights and new plantings.
Pedersen hopes Putnam Avenue would ultimately remain open during the day to benefit nearby Charles Street businesses, as well as pedestrians.
“I don’t know of another project in the past 10 years that would be visible to so many people, and about the only downside I can anticipate is increased foot traffic because of how many people would want to photograph it,” Pedersen said.
Sandy Steele, a Boston attorney closely involved in the case, said the project could only be undertaken legally with the consent of all the abutters of Putnam Avenue, which she said remains a private passageway owned by those stakeholders.