Cambridge Planning Board Unanimously Approves Stretch Studio Franchise in Central Square

CAMBRIDGE — October 22, 2024 — Cambridge Planning Board unanimously approves a stretching studio franchise for Central Square. The board voted 7-0 Tuesday night to grant a special permit to Cambridge Stretch LLC to open a Stretch Med franchise at 425 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit 7, a roughly 750-square-foot space in the Market Central building's interior alleyway. The Central Square Overlay District requires a special permit for any formula business, and the board found the proposal consistent with all applicable criteria under the ordinance. Applicant Lucio Paolini, who with partner Jagmeet Singh already operates Stretch Med studios in Belmont, Arlington, and Medford, agreed to replace the franchise's standard red-and-white signage with white acrylic lettering to fit the district's character — a modification Acting Chair Tom Sieniewicz called "exactly why the ordinance is in place." Member H. Theodore Cohen, who moved for approval, noted that "given the status of retail business in Cambridge and throughout the country right now," filling a vacant first-floor space merited the board's support. No members of the public commented on the application.