Parking in Sturbridge

Following is a copy of a post that I wrote on Newsotronic:

It pains me to learn of the parking disagreement that has developed between Rovezzi's and Mass Motion Dance Academy. As a teacher at Mass Motion, and a patron of Rovezzi's, I strongly believe that these two institutions are anchors in Sturbridge's business sector. Mass Motion has served hundreds, if not thousands, of families for several decades, providing professional dance training and performing opportunities for children of all ages. Rovezzi's offers our community a warm and jovial setting for its top-rate gourmet dining. The secret to both businesses' success is, I believe, due to the high return rate of their happy customers.

In the shadow of the financial issues involved, one factor that seems to have been overlooked so far is the importance of safety in this location. Non-dance users of this lot frequently speed through the lot. Often there are beer bottles and broken glass in the lot. And yes, there are less-than-sober drivers operating their vehicles through the lot at the same time that young dancers are walking through the lot. Personally, my greatest fear is that Sturbridge will suffer the loss of a preschooler in a pink tutu at the wheels of a DWI driver before the town helps find a reasonable solution. Upon whose shoulders would the liability of such an event fall?

I love Rovezzi's and desparately want to continue to enjoy and promote it to friends and family. I also am fiercely proud to be a member of the Mass Motion team, and am just as fiercely protective of my students. As they review the lease that the town holds with Mass Motion, I ask that the Board of Selectmen considers all possibilities for a solution that will work for both of these important businesses. Please help Mass Motion and Rovezzi's find a peaceable way to stay neighborly, stay in Sturbridge, and stay safe.

- Kathryn Acciari