Month: March 2026

GLOUCESTER, MA – The City is discontinuing its role in facilitating the proposed Downtown Business Improvement District (“BID”). The intent behind the proposal is appreciated, and it will become the basis of future City planning, however the BID process is not the right approach for downtown development at this time. 

“It became clear that the proposal raised significant concerns among many downtown business and property owners, particularly amid ongoing economic pressures facing small businesses,” said Mayor Lundberg. “After reviewing the information and listening carefully to a range of perspectives, the City feels there are more effective ways to proceed with Downtown development.”

The concept of a downtown BID in Gloucester originated in the 2021 Gloucester Local Rapid Recovery Plan, which recommended the model as a way to pool resources, build organizational capacity, and create dedicated funding for downtown improvements. Following that recommendation, a group of downtown business and property owners expressed interest in further exploration. 

“Earlier planning efforts identified a need for stronger downtown coordination and a way to pool resources. A group of business and property owners saw promise in a BID,” said Alex Koppelman, Community Development Director. “As the City facilitated outreach, concerns about equal benefits between Main Street and the Waterfront, a tough economic climate, and timing emerged. We took those concerns seriously. The engagement process also clarified downtown priorities and the ways the City can help advance them.”

Mayor Lundberg emphasized that, although moving away from the initiative, the BID discussions were constructive and helped surface important goals for downtown’s future. A recent survey of downtown business and property owners identified several focus areas that will guide the City’s efforts:

• Strengthening the Harbortown Cultural District: With the recent hiring of an Arts, Culture, and Events Coordinator, the City will expand cultural programming, pursue new funding opportunities, and support public art initiatives to activate downtown and support existing businesses. The district’s shift from volunteer to City management positions it well as the Mass Cultural Council program becomes competitive next year.
• Improving Parking Management: The City is evaluating potential changes to parking vendors and enforcement protocols and aims to implement recommendations from the 2024 Parking Utilization Study to improve the downtown parking experience and explore additional parking opportunities.
• Advancing Downtown Wayfinding: The City will fund the first phase of a new wayfinding system, including five directory signs and a district identifier sign, to better connect residents and visitors to downtown destinations.

“Downtown Gloucester remains a priority for my administration,” Mayor Lundberg said. “While we serve the entire City, downtown is a special place that deserves focused attention. We will continue working with our economic development partners, our Downtown business owners, Discover Gloucester and the Cape Ann Chamber, to support a vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong downtown.”

—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester

Waiting for Maple Walnut Season…

MARCH 2, 2026 ~ THE CUT LIVE

Wednesday our weekly Celtic Seisiún in the restaurant starting at 6pm. This is intended to be a collaborative music experience so come grab a Guinness and enjoy the cozy neighborhood pub vibes! No cover. 

Friday Dueling Pianos returns to The Cut. This is an all-request, totally interactive, sing along at the top of your lungs event. You never know what’s going to happen! There are a very limited number of tickets available. Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm. 21+. 

Friday night there will also be live music in the restaurant from 7pm-10pm with Mike Francis of Soul Rebel Project. No cover.

Saturday night we have Nirvani – A Nirvana Tribute Experience with Foo! (Foo Fighters Tribute)! There are still some tickets available. Come rock with us to all your Nirvana favorites! Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm. 21+.

Plus, DJ Vito & Friends will be throwing it down in the restaurant from 9pm – close. No cover.

Sunday is the Gloucester High School Class of 2027 Fundraiser Concert with Kicked Off The bus & Old Hickory Boulevard! Come support local talent and the class of 2027! There are still some tickets still available. Doors at 6:30pm. Show at 7pm. All Ages!

BRAVO² is now officially up and running serving their killer Detroit Style pizzas along with a full menu of other delicious salads, sides, and mains. Come on by and check them out! Updated hours are below. 
Their winter hours are: 
Wed 5pm – 9pm
Thu 5pm – 9pm
Fri 5pm – 10pm
Sat 5pm – 10pm 
Sun 12pm – 9pm
Closed Mon & Tue

DUELING PIANOS TICKETS

NIRVANI – A NIRVANA TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

GHS CLASS OF 2027 FUNDRAISER CONCERT

Northshore Magazine’s Best of the North Shore voting is happening NOW. The Cut has been nominated for Best Live Music (in the PLAY category) and Best Sports Bar (in the DRINK) category. If you love The Cut, please help us spread the word by voting for us! BONS is a great way to help people who haven’t heard of The Cut yet find us! 

VOTE FOR THE CUT

Our 2026 The Cut Memberships are still available. Sign up for exclusive presales, perks and privileges!

GET MEMBERSHIP DETAILS HERE

HOURS: 
MON CLOSED, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 5PM, SUN 12PM

THE CUT | 177 Main Street | Gloucester, MA

Visit Our Website

Buy Tickets to a Show

MARCH 5, 2026 ~ THE CUT LIVE

SUNDAYS JUST GOT BETTER!! 
LIVE MUSIC | FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS | FREE POOL

Join us at The Cut this Sunday for our first Sunday afternoon neighborhood hang!

Joe Winslow and James “Scuzz” Scuzzarella will be playing live from 2-5pm in the restaurant. This talented duo performs harmony-rich classic rock. 
Grab a $5 Notch Salem Lager, and some $.50 wings from BRAVO² , and play a free game of pool or two. 

You can find the full BRAVO² menu and make a reservation here: https://thecutlive.com/pages/restaurant

BRAVO² serves killer Detroit Style pizzas along with a full menu of other delicious salads, sides, and mains. Come on by and check them out! Updated hours are below. 
Their winter hours are: 
Wed 5pm – 9pm
Thu 5pm – 9pm
Fri 5pm – 10pm
Sat 5pm – 10pm 
Sun 12pm – 9pm
Closed Mon & Tue

This Sunday, feel free to stay and grab tickets to the Gloucester High School Class of 2027’s Fundraiser Concert in the venue with Kicked Off The Bus and Old Hickory Boulevard. Doors at 6:30pm. Show at 7pm. 

GHS CLASS OF 2027 FUNDRAISER CONCERT TICKETS

Northshore Magazine’s Best of the North Shore voting is happening NOW. The Cut has been nominated for Best Live Music (in the PLAY category) and Best Sports Bar (in the DRINK) category. If you love The Cut, please help us spread the word by voting for us! BONS is a great way to help people who haven’t heard of The Cut yet find us! 

VOTE FOR THE CUT

Our 2026 The Cut Memberships are still available. Sign up for exclusive presales, perks and privileges!

GET MEMBERSHIP DETAILS HERE

HOURS: 
MON CLOSED, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 5PM, SUN 12PM

THE CUT | 177 Main Street | Gloucester, MA

Visit Our Website

Buy Tickets to a Show

• Facebook

I noticed a post from Stone’s featuring a drink called “Black Velvet” and I was intrigued. When we were there for dinner recently I ordered one. I understood a Black Velvet to consist of Guinness and prosecco or champagne but the drink I got was Guinness and cider also called Black Velvet (*although one of my favorite bartending experts Bekah tells me her bar calls it a Bruised Apple….more appropriate*). Regardless, I gave it a go. Wasn’t my favorite combo if I’m honest but it was nice to get geared up for St Patrick’s Day right at Stone’s on Main St.

Jim ordered sausage peppers and onions and I got the garlic parm wings that were on the specials menu. I remember getting the specials wings previously and they are YUMMY. And, in order to kick off my occasional and random Irish Coffee posts, I ordered that as well. The Stone’s Irish coffee came in a good size mug with Bailey’s and whiped cream as ordered. I will say this Irish Coffee is “sturdy” in portion and alcohol content. Definietely a win-win. Slainte Stone’s!

Looking Sharpe…

Sugars Mags had announced they plan to open late this month or early next month on Main Street ! *Happy Dance* And they are hiring! Drop resume off Friday March 6 if interested at 64 Main St (formerly Oliver’s Harbor)

GLOUCESTER, MA – Police Chief Ed Conley has retired from the Gloucester Police Department after seven years of dedicated leadership. The City of Gloucester has formally initiated the process to identify and appoint the next Chief of Police. Chief Conley retired after serving more than three decades in law enforcement. He leaves behind a legacy of accountability and community trust, and was instrumental in restructuring the Department management. 

In accordance with city ordinances, the City is required to establish a screening committee to review and evaluate candidates for the position. This committee will play an essential role in ensuring a fair, thorough, and transparent selection process that reflects the values and expectations of our community. 

To assist in this effort, pursuant to the city ordinance, the Mayor has engaged MGT Impact Solutions, a qualified recruitment and assessment consultant with expertise in public safety executive searches. The firm will assist the screening committee and guide the City through a comprehensive and professional search process. 

While the search is underway, we are proud to announce that Assistant Chief Michael Williams will serve as Acting Chief of Police. Acting Chief Williams brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and a deep knowledge of the Gloucester community. His steady leadership will ensure continuity and the continued delivery of the high standards of professional police service that residents expect and deserve.

The search for a new chief will be ongoing and the City will update everyone once the screening committee has been appointed. The selection process will include a public meeting to discuss the process itself and the candidates that are being reviewed. We are confident that we will find the best candidate for the job, and are looking forward to this new chapter for the Police Department and the City of Gloucester. 

—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester”