Judge rules in favor of St. Patrick's Day parade running longer route

BOSTON — A Boston judge has ruled in favor of allowing the South Boston St. Patrick's Day parade to run along the longer route.

The parade organizers filed a lawsuit Monday claiming Boston never given them any reason for shortening this year's parade route. The 3.2 mile parade route was shortened to 1.4 miles and cuts out historic sites and key neighborhoods.

U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns said Tuesday that parade organizers have a First Amendment right to march along the longer route.

Stearns noted that the parade's route hasn't changed in 20 years. It was shortened last year because of large snow piles.

"It's not the same parade we grew up with. It's more of a Mardi Gras atmosphere and we’ll work to make it safe but it's not the type of parade we grew up with,” Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said.

Boston Police say the shortened route has less of an impact on the South Boston neighborhood. They say streets will reopen sooner and people can get back to their usual routines faster.

Mayor Marty Walsh said he stands by the route change but looks forward to the parade being a safe atmosphere.

“While I believe that a shorter route would have been in the best interest of public safety, I respect the judge's decision and look forward to working with the parade organizers to make this year's St. Patrick's Day parade safe for all families and spectators,” he said.

Cox Media Group