Roslindale Condo Project Raises Parking Concerns for Sharon Shoppers

Local businesses worry limited parking could deter out-of-town customers from visiting Roslindale shops.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:58am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a bustling city street, with a proposed condo development barely visible in the distance, dwarfed by the surrounding urban infrastructure and environment.As Roslindale grapples with the challenges of urban development, the neighborhood's small businesses must find ways to balance the needs of new residents and loyal out-of-town shoppers.Quincy Today

A proposed condo project in Roslindale has sparked debate over parking, with local business owners concerned that the limited parking spaces could deter loyal customers from Sharon and Quincy who drive in to shop. At a recent Boston Planning Board meeting, neighbors discussed whether seven parking spaces for 16 units is realistic in the car-heavy area, weighing transit access against the risk of deterring out-of-town shoppers.

Why it matters

Roslindale's small businesses rely heavily on customers from surrounding towns like Sharon and Quincy. Any reduction in parking availability could make it harder for these out-of-town shoppers to access the local shops and restaurants, potentially impacting the livelihoods of business owners in the neighborhood.

The details

The proposed condo project in Roslindale would add 16 new units, but only include 7 parking spaces. Local business owners argue this limited parking could deter loyal customers from Sharon and Quincy who currently drive in to shop at their stores. While the project is located near public transit options, business owners worry that the inconvenience of finding parking will push these out-of-town visitors away, hurting their bottom lines.

  • At a recent Boston Planning Board meeting, the parking concerns were discussed.

The players

Boston Planning Board

The local government agency responsible for reviewing and approving development projects in Boston.

Roslindale Businesses

Local shops and restaurants in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston that rely on customers from surrounding towns like Sharon and Quincy.

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What’s next

The Boston Planning Board will continue to review the parking plans for the proposed Roslindale condo project and consider the potential impact on local businesses and out-of-town shoppers.

The takeaway

This debate over parking highlights the delicate balance that urban development projects must strike between increasing housing density and preserving access for the customers that sustain local businesses. As Roslindale evolves, finding ways to accommodate both new residents and existing shoppers will be crucial for the neighborhood's continued vitality.