Save Scritches & Boops from Devastating Construction Impact

At the heart of Somerville lies Scritches & Boops, a cherished pet store owned by Michele. More than just a shop, it’s a community hub for pets and their owners. Unfortunately, ongoing construction on Summer Street has severely disrupted foot and vehicular traffic, threatening this small business.

As a frequent visitor with my dog, Wally, I've seen firsthand how Scritches & Boops brings our community together, turning neighbors into friends. Yet since June, constant road closures, impassable sidewalks, and noisy construction have driven people and pets away, leaving Michele’s business in financial jeopardy. The city has claimed that they have no budget to support affected businesses, and despite efforts to engage the city in planning around the construction and efforts to boost sales, the roadblocks—both literal and figurative—persist. Due to the ongoing nature of this project which isn’t set to end until at the earliest Spring of 2025 Michele’s situation has become dire and she needs our help.

Lack of signage showing businesses are open and in fact states sidewalks are closed therefore pushing potential business away from the area, combined with a disjointed construction schedule that disrupts hours, has only worsened the situation. Without help, Scritches & Boops will be lost.

We must rally to support Michele and this beloved store. Even a small contribution can make a big difference. Together, we can ensure Scritches & Boops survives and continues to thrive, enriching our community and keeping our bonds with our pets strong.

Funds will be used to order new stock, keep business expenses and bills in line, organize events and pop-ups that can help bring in new business despite the construction, plan for future disruptions due to ongoing roadwork, and ensure that Michele can keep the doors open!

Example of the limited and vague information given about construction if anything at all is even shared (most times no warning at all is shared to residents/businesses)