That confusing crosswalk traversing Washington Street in front of the former Blue Ginger restaurant has finally been covered over, months after we started asking questions about it (See: “Swellesley cracks the case of ‘The Crazy Wellesley Crosswalk'”). The black paint used to cover the white lines should fade over time and blend in with the rest of the road, making for a safer traffic situation.

The crosswalk was once for real, providing a temporary safe passage for pedestrians while the Belclare retail/condo complex was under construction and the sidewalk in front of it was inaccessible. But because the crosswalk was left there for months after the construction, pedestrians and drivers couldn’t figure out what to make of it — parking space lines on the Blue Ginger side made it look like people using the meters were parking in the middle of a crosswalk. Blue Ginger’s general manager had told us that customers were baffled by the situation, and often asked about it.

We failed to get a response from Belclare’s developer, but the town did say back in January that the developer and contractor and town were all working to resolve the issue.  Here we are in September, and it looks like the case is now closed. Just in time for Belclare to start filling some of its retail space with tenants and for Smith & Wollensky to ready its new digs at the former Blue Ginger spot.

MORE: Pucker up Wellesley: Belclare has another new retail tenant

 

Now that Larry Ng is no longer a fixture at the pair of gas stations/garages across from each other on Rte. 9 in Wellesley Hills that he operated since the late 1980s (reportedly due to both his retirement brought on by health reasons and, we’re told, personal issues that we won’t get into here), many Wellesley residents are at a car-repair loss. Ng was legendary around town for keeping his customers’ vehicles in good working condition at a fair price and for always giving honest assessments.

So now how will Wellesley-ites keep their Hondas, Lexuses, and Audis purring like kittens?

A few business names have been popping up repeatedly on public forums, so here’s a list to help keep you on the road. Please let us know if you have a mechanic to recommend. The bar isn’t too high. Wellesley’s next legendary mechanic simply needs to be just like Larry. In the words of The Swellesley Report readers, all that’s required is someone who is “affordable,” “knowledgeable,” “talented and experienced,” “a true professional,” “the most honest guy out there,” and possesses amazing “instincts for car repair” along with “the best wit and sense of humor.”

But no pressure.

8 Places to get your car fixed in (and beyond) Wellesley

First off, it’s important to point out that the spot where Larry plied his trade is still open for business at 431 Washington St., as well as across the street on Rte. 9 West next to the Wellesley Fire Department station. Ng’s ex-wife is now running the business.

Haskins Automotive, 467 Washington St., Wellesley;  781-694-1216
Their loyal customers say that Haskins gets the job done in a timely fashion and to ask for Marco and Mark.

Linden Service, Inc., next to The Linden Store; 781-235-4440
Dave and his dad own it and are said to be very fair and honest. We’ve had many a car inspected there.

 

Quinlan’s Automotive, 870 Worcester St. (Route 9), Wellesley; 508-395-6357
Ask for Jim.

Wellesley Toyota, 234 Worcester St., Wellesley, 02481; 888-577-6342
Reader SW tells us, “I can’t say enough great things about Wellesley Toyota. Consummate professionals! My Prius is entering her 10th year with flags flying because of their quality care! If you have a Toyota, for sure go to W.T.”

Dealers: Depending on what kind of car you drive, local dealers are also an option for getting things tuned and fixed. These include Bernardi’s Volvo of Wellesley, Wellesley Mazda  and Wellesley Toyota on Rte. 9 and Wellesley Volkswagen on Linden Street.

Beyond Wellesley…

Dave Elbery Auto Body, 124R. East Central St., Natick; 508-655-5964
Just across the line in natick on 135. Dave is our go-to guy for auto body repair.

 

Natick Auto Clinic on 193 Worcester St. (Route 9); 508-655-2944
Ask for Ralph.

Regan’s Service, 2066 Commonwealth Ave., Newton (Auburndale); 617-527-3990

Old Time Garage – two easy locations.
1545 Washington St, Newton, MA or 1960 Washington St, Newton Lower Falls, MA (next to Newton-Wellesley Hospital). Ask for Hadley (per Swellesley reader PB)

Needham Shell, 875 Highland Ave., Needham Center; 781-444-9745
Ask for Joey.