Make the016.com a preferred choice with Google by clicking here 
**Not yet a member of The 016? Please take a second to join today and find out what all the buzz is about. Registration is free and easy.**
If you were hoping city would reopen this downtown shortcut, you're out of luck
For years it has been common to see a driver facing the prospect of a particularly nightmarish trip through Washington Square to try to beat the system by taking a shortcut through the part of Foster Street that connects with Summer Street. Equally common are the backup lights, and possible swearing, when drivers find the road dead-ends before the anticipated destination.
That part of Foster Street was curbed over when the road was reconfigured to connect with Francis J. McGrath Blvd.
The part of Foster Street that connects with Summer Street dead-ends before reaching Foster Street.
A company, VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 7, owns the rights to half the property; the city, the other half. The City Council will consider on Tuesday City Manager Ed Augustus' request to take ownership of outstanding parcel.
So close yet so far. The unused portion of Foster Street next to the Central Massachusetts Korean War Memorial.
However, Chief Development Officer Michael Traynor, in a letter to Augustus, proposes to permanently discontinue that portion of Foster Street. "The ultimate goal of the discontinuation would be to facilitate the City’s economic development agenda through a future conveyance of the parcel to the private sector such that the land becomes taxable," Traynor writes. In short, there's no hope of reconnecting the streets to re-create the shortcut.
Even without adopting the order, those hoping for the street to be reconnected were already out of luck. Drawings contained in the Council agenda note that the street on the Washington Square side of the railroad tracks already belongs to the Worcester Redevelopment Authority and will become part of the land for the new hotel announced in April.
For those still hesitant about fighting Washington Square traffic, here's a reminder that the dramatically underused Bridge Street (below right) remains an option. However, the redevelopment of Mission Chapel at Summer and Bridge Streets may include commercial space, which would figure to make Bridge Street busier
Bridge Street (right) and Foster Street discontinued (left). A new hotel will rise east of the train tracks, making that part of Foster Street no more. Google Maps
**Not yet a member of The 016? Please take a second to join today and find out what all the buzz is about. Registration is free and easy.**
Recent blogs
Ryan Reynolds' summer blockbuster to film in Worcester next week (May 16)
Another big change on Lake Ave. as former ITAM Club sold (May 15)
Demolition of former Four Seasons can proceed, 4 houses planned (May 14)
Pot shop planned next to popular breakfast spot (May 12)
Complaints against Worcester businesses in 2019 (May 9)
Historic restaurant building targeted for demolition (May 7)
Midtown Mall sold, city wants to hear new owner's plans (May 5)
Thanks a million! (May 2)
The answer to this question could determine the fate of Kelley Square redesign (April 28)
The 016, the social network for Worcester and you
There's always something happening in The 016!
In The News
>WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (1:07). High of 68 today in Worcester
-Snow in October? Here are all the times winter weather has started early in Mass.
>TOP OF THE NEWS
+9:00: Shooting investigation shuts down highway ramp overnight in Worcester (:24). Article
-Thousands pack Institute Park for Worcester's "No Kings" protest. Video (2:08:06)
-Worcester tried classical music to stop "illegal activities" in Canal District. It didn't work
-Woman arrested in Worcester wanted in Hawaii for child sex assault
-Worcester Police Department to test high visibility patrols
-Leading police union in New England says "significant" funds have been misappropriated
-Beverly Hills home of billionaire from Worcester for sale for $195 million
-Legendary rock band honored at Worcester show for 25 million plays on Apple Music
-Habitat for Humanity helps Worcester families become homeowners
-Walk To End Alzheimer's returns to Worcester on Sunday
-India Society of Worcester and Worcester Art Museum celebrate a decade of light
-Health care tax credits set to expire. What does it mean for Mass.?
-T&G This Week: What happened at the courthouse, and why we told the story
-Worcester Guardian's Week in Review: Debates, development, Halloween Highlights
-Radio Worcester's The Rundown (24:25): Calls for civilian oversight amid skepticism over implementation
>FAITH: Remembering late father's puns, laughter and lessons
>POLITICS: Worcester candidate profile: Jermoh Kamara for City Councilor At-Large
-Councilor King backs research bureau call for civilian police oversight
-New England Police Union endorses Mayor Joe Petty, other candidates
-Radio Worcester Roundtable (46:55): City Council cell phone use becomes a campaign issue
>DINING OUT: Worcester restaurant to hold ravioli and pasta making class next Sunday
-ICYMI: Small liberal arts colleges are struggling, but one in Worcester is bucking the trend
-Convicted Worcester bridge attacker Joshua Hubert sentenced to prison (:25). Article
-Related: Family details impact of Worcester bridge attack at Hubert sentencing
-Local middle school teacher passes away unexpectedly
-Woman to voters: Reject candidates who protect child rapist
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): Scout's book shares epilepsy experiences
-America's newest game show, filmed at Lamoureux Ford (1:40)
-At 122 Diner, help support Ava's fight against Ovarian Cancer
-New fields being used as work continues
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Driver seriously hurt after car slams into tree, catches fire, officials say
-TODAY! Shrewsbury Fire Department open house
-They're mad in Oakham: Here's why the town is saying "not in my backyard"
-Leominster council delays decision on controversial battery storage zoning proposal
-Town House Tavern provides space to relax and catch up with friends
-Felon arrested in Webster after “awkward eye contact” with officer leads to gun discovery
-Clinton Elementary School brings book characters to life
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Sunday
>SHOWTIME: Things to do: Twins, winds, blues and boos ...
-Remembering when Leonard Cohen played Clark University in 1970
-Joy of Music Program announces faculty concert series
-Central Mass. Brass to perform free concert at Fitchburg State
>OPINION: Ray Mariano: Worcester City Council district hopefuls respond to questions
-Katy MacQueen: How I got my 6-year-old to FINALLY stay in her bed
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to Worcester woman who worked 26 years for the W.R.T.A.
>SPORTS: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel returns to face the Titans for first time since being fired
-Patriots-Titans preview: Kyle Williams time in Vrabel revenge game?
-NFL's bizarre involvement in middle of Chiefs' latest penalty controversy
-NFL Week 7 schedule, TV and announcers
-Holy Cross football defeats Richmond for first win of season
-Holy Cross men’s ice hockey shuts out Mercyhurst in Atlantic Hockey opener
-Bruins lose to Colorado, 4-1
-Jaylen Brown documentary follows Celtics star’s impactful NBA journey
-Railers drop season opener to Maine, 5-0
-Boston College football loses sixth straight game
>CARS: Ford recalls Ford Mustangs, Ford F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD trucks
>NATIONAL: Thieves strike Louvre in daring jewel heist
-Palestinian death toll in Gaza tops 68,000
-Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein pleaded for Virginia Giuffre to "have our baby," she wrote in memoir
-Tragic: Elderly couple found dead at senior home in apparent murder-suicide
>NEW ENGLAND: Judge bans Springfield landlord from owning or managing property in Mass.
-Is it legal to smoke pot in public places in Massachusetts? Here’s what the law says
>COLLEGES: Shining a Light on inequities in Latino education in Mass.
-Anna Maria Professor Jennifer Carlson to address legislative hearing on emergency management
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): New York City and Las Vegas are Thanksgiving travel hotspots
-6 etiquette mistakes that can lead to a fine overseas
>BUSINESS: Central Mass. business by the numbers
-Amanda Khatib: Advice for returning to work
>SHOPPING: 35 gift ideas inspired by TikTok's top trends of 2025
>HOMES: When should you turn your heating on? What temperature should you set it to? What to know
>HEALTH: Aluminum in vaccines: What parents need to know about safety (2:14)
-Report: Mass. among best states for Medicare beneficiaries, despite high rate of E.R. visits
>FOOD: Pepsi's dirty soda trend adds new Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer drinks
>TV/STREAMING: The best new horror movies of 2025 available to stream right now
>MOVIES: U.F.O. doc "Age of Disclosure" lands streaming date on Prime Video
>CELEBRITY: Rachael Ray resurfaces for rare outing following string of "bizarre behavior"
-Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes announce engagement 3 years after "GMA3" scandal
>ANIMALS: Dog who looked like a lion adopts real bear cubs (1:45)
>GOOD NEWS: Boy, 9, saves kitten that was being "tossed around like a football"
-Meanwhile, in Wyoming, pumpkin reappears on university spire in 30-year mystery
Latest obituaries | | Saturday's Highlights | | Today's horoscope | | Local Sports
Quick Links: Personalize your news | | Browse members | | Advertise | | Blogs | | Invite friends | | Videos
Animals | | Boston Sports | | Business | | Cars | | Celebrity | | Colleges | | Commute & Travel | | Crime | | Faith | | Food | | Good News | | Health | | Help Wanted | History | | Homes | | Local Sports | | Lottery | | Movies | | National | | New England | | Politics | | Shopping & Deals | | SHOWTIME! | | TV & Streaming | | Weather
