What kind of retail, D?

Annie,

Not to sound off-topic on this subject, but another huge factor in play is the demographic composition of Malden residents: your average Melrose household has a higher income level than your average Malden household. Translation: there are wealthier residents and fewer low-income and section 8 people in Melrose that can sustain the types of businesses they have on Main St, that we in Malden would love to have. I don't know what city officials in Malden can come up with to attract wealthier families to buy properties in Malden and settle down here.

DannyBoy, I see your point, my only thought is that something has to attract the "higher income" demographic that will actually spend the money in the square. I guess it's a chicken/egg scenario, but I do know that if there were something like a Trader Joe's or something along those lines, I'd be more likely to shop in the center. Right now there's no draw for me personally, except for District 7.

if you decide on an "eatery chain" ~ what about : "5 Guys" they have a simple menu and their prices (in my opinion) are reasonable...along with fresh/never frozen food items.....

This is true, Naomi ~ there are lots of options... ~ hopefully whatever does goes in will generate employment for LOCAL Malden residents. Whatever business it may be, in order for it to work (and stay) it will have to be reasonable priced for the patrons to come in and come back over and over again...

Ginny: Malden has plenty of reasonably priced pizza and burger joints, as well as dollar stores. It's time we aim for a little sophistication in shopping and healthy choices for food. I know I'm not the only one who leaves town for meals and shopping, and would rather give my dollars to a local Malden business.

Paul:

Here's an idea for this city administration and the MRA. Why not convert this empty spot back to its original use, as a theater, where you can not only show movies but have live performances by music bands and Broadway-type shows? We could do something like they are doing with renovating the Davis Square Theater:

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2012/02/new_davis_square_theatre_will.html

If they want Malden to be a destination for artists, that would be something worthwhile to consider...

I agree DannyBoy...I think a movie theater that can double as a venue for performing arts. In Stoneham center there is an old theater there that they use for that very purpose. I don't think there are movies showing there, but Malden can be in the vanguard then...

Todd,

There's a CVS pharmacy right across the street from this vacant property, that's not going to happen...

Oh Todd, don't forget the next round of Luxury Condo Living (that no one will purchase). Let's build it before we even know there is a need for it!!!!!!!

Todd, nail salons and wig shops should be the #1 priority before a CVS or Dunkin's.

I thought your sarcasm was loud and clear...and appropriate! ;)

Bill A, I'm all for doing more upscale residential development in Malden, but we're not a "W" town, far from that, and who's going to want to buy such an expensive property in Malden, of all places?

Bill, Davis Sq. has thrived because of its proximity to Harvard, Tufts and MIT, which in turn has attracted buisnesses in the IT and Bio-tech/pharma industries. It has also grown due the fact that the residents opposed the building of 12 story apartment buildings, and supported historic preservation, bike paths, and has made the area somewhat pedestrian friendly. You are right in regards in that we need to attrach more people in higher income brackets, but the question is why move here when they have other choices?

Malden's proximity to Boston should make it an affordable option for young professionals. I think there are some here, but all in all, Malden has a reputation for being "below board". The landscaping in the square is a nice touch, but is really window dressing for a dreary, dollar shop environment. The only places I go to in Malden are All Seasons Table, Exchange St Bistro and CVS. Firmani's tailoring is another place, but how often does one need tailoring services. There are many problems with Malden Square, one of which is parking (the DESE lot was restructured 3X!), the street is too narrow, people park haphazardly, the stores look dated and uninviting and there is too few options unless you're looking for a pizza or a cheap trinket.

^^ You're totally right. The parking situation in the square is still a disaster. I tried to get dinner there not too long ago with my wife and even with the new parking lot we still could not find a spot.