By Scott Zoback

The Worcester DA’s office has not traditionally been a bastion of media accessibility. Under the long reign of former DA John Conte, interviews were a step short of verboten. Even under the much more media-savvy and friendly Joe Early Jr. (and media relations guru, former Telegram journalist Tim Connolly), it’s generally been a very “just the facts ma’am” administration.

But the Nathaniel Turner case is different, having captured state and national attention for its inherently profound tragedy and senselessness. Already, the case has sparked a renewed effort by some legislators to reestablish the death penalty in Massachusetts.

Indeed, there was a media frenzy at Tuesday’s arraignment, with print and broadcast outlets staking out courthouse exits hoping for a glimpse of the family after the hearing, and a pool video feed being supplied by WBZ.

What was odd about Tuesday was not the frenzy, but the manner in which the press was invited and welcomed in by the DA. In a bit of a departure from the norm, Early issued a press release early in the week announcing the arraignment and a proceeding press conference. It was the first time in his tenure Early had ever sent out a release about an arraignment, according to multiple members of the local media. Ironically, the release came almost exactly seven years after the murder of Candace Scola, a case that has long frustrated the media for the lack of news.

Everything at the courthouse on Tuesday was arranged for the press, including a removal of all other cases to another court room and a reservation of the grand jury room for the press conference. This was despite the fact that there was little more for Early to say other than the already widely reported chronological facts.

It’s too early to tell whether Tuesday represented a new direction for the DA’s office or merely a recognition of the significance of the Schuler trial, and the fact that, at least until the trial is over, there’s going to be a lot more attention on the DA’s office and its handling of the case.

A weekly quality of life check-in of Worcester 

We unveil a new design for Worcester Mag. What, you thought we were above self-congratulatory Index items? +8

Nathaniel Turner is taken off life support, ending a too short life ended way too tragically. -5

Seriously, enough with the effing rain. When West Boylston Street is literally a Class 3 rapid, we’ve had enough. -4

Finally, it looks like we have a legitimate mayor’s race shaping up in Worcester. Politics: fun for the whole family! +3

Quinn Bill funding is cut, costing the city another $1.3 million, on top of what was already budgeted. Dead pool watch for WPD units begins. -5

And a potential for 40 more layoffs for city employees? OK, dead pool watch now includes the next full department to be eliminated. -4

Hell hath no fury like an office manager-turned-unlicensed special ed teacher scorned. So says Donna Byrnes, who is now suing the city for breach of contract, civil conspiracy, defamation and violation of Massachusetts wage laws. This should end well. -3

Robert Ford “punts” a rabid fox that was brutally attacking a West Side woman. Would you have done the same? +4

Worcester Art Museum gets $310,000 to expand its lobby and build a lecture hall. Ah, the sweet smell of stimulus money. +2

Holiday week. Take Friday off. +3

This week: -1

Last week: +3

Year to date: -45

Mall changes worry business owners

By Tim O’Keefe

In 1987, a Worcester couple decided to open a small diner downtown to cater to the business people who frequented the busy streets during the week. Today, Ray and Sandy Young have withstood bad economies, city renovations, and the test of time.  

“It will be 22 years July 1,” says Sandy, referring to the Midtown Diner, a small and cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Worcester streets. Located in the Midtown Mall right next to City Hall, the diner has been a favorite spot for many people looking for a nice home-cooked-style meal.

Now, the diner and couple face uncertainty with the city eyeing a potential makeover of the Midtown Mall.

“We service business people working downtown, as well as the elderly,” says Sandy. “Our prices are inexpensive and a lot of elderly people are on a fixed income. Our portions are so big that they can usually make two meals out of it.”

The Youngs have prided themselves on creating a friendly atmosphere where people can come and enjoy a meal, as well as some lively chit chat.

“Our customers come for coffee, muffins, and conversation,” says Sandy.

Ray Young, owner of the Midtown Diner

“We have a good relationship with the other businesses in the mall,” says Sandy. “We all watch each other’s back. If we run out of coffee cups we can go next door and ask for some. We’re here to help each other.”

What do the mall’s business owners think of the takeover? Some, like Angel Perez, owner of the Ilucian Party Store that has been located at the mall for a decade, says that while his store has seen its ups and downs, he prefers that it remain in place.

“Every year is different,” says Perez. “Last year we struggled, this year we are up a little bit. But I don’t want any changes to happen to the mall.”

Although many owners are happy with where their businesses are situated, the mall’s appearance suggests that it is at best quirky; at worst a few decades past its prime. The layout is outdated, and the décor appears not to have had a serious makeover in 30 years.  However, many people in the city think that there is potential in the mall.

“It’s a great location for retail space, for entrepreneurs, for a whole host of activities that could be a vital change for the city,” says City Councilor Phil Palmieri. “Everyone has a host of ideas that can and should happen in the Midtown Mall.”

Palmieri’s message is that the space is underutilized, especially in a district seeing hundreds of millions of dollars in development between CitySquare, the Mayo Group and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Indeed, the location of the mall should be a great selling point for anyone looking to move in and set up shop. But despite the mall connecting from Front Street to Mechanic Street, most right now are using it as a cut-through without shopping.

“It connects two streets, which is very important,” says Palmieri, who suggests opening up the roof to create a plaza-type walk-through.

While official talk about what should be done with the mall is still in the preliminary stages, the small group of business people who inhabit the space are not interested in any changes.

“We’re too old to start somewhere else,” says Sandy Young. “The city just keeps closing more and more places around town. They make it hard for small businesses to survive.”

Still, they’ve survived this long.

“We’ve always had a steady base of customers during our time here,” Sandy comments. “We have regulars that have been coming in for decades. And now, they are bringing a second generation of regulars when their children come in to the diner.”

To Palmieri, it’s all about the future. 

“It could be an absolute game changer for downtown and it could encourage more people from the neighborhood to come to downtown and feel more comfortable with it.”