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Lively debate at liquor store hearing; decision tabled

Posted on 06 June 2012 by Mike Lyons

liquor

A standing-room-only crowd evenly divided for and against a proposed liquor store at 43rd and Chestnut will have to wait a few more days for a decision. The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), which held a special hearing on the controversial proposal today, will make a decision in a private session likely within a week.

About 75 people attended the special hearing, including a large contingent of residents who attend the Masjid al-Jamia mosque at 43rd and Walnut and live near the proposed location. The liquor store would replace the Risque, an adult video store, and an adjacent check cashing place on the eastern end of a strip mall along Chestnut Street.

“We do not need another liquor store in our community,” said Larry Falcon, the pastor of Covenant Community Church and owner of the Toviah Thrift Shop near 42nd and Chestnut. “I’ve buried 18 kids in 11 years who were killed in drug or alcohol related homicides.”

Most of those opposed to the store were Muslim residents who said that the community organizations like the Spruce Hill Community Association, which approved the store in April, don’t represent their interests.

“You have to understand that the people who live near there see the world differently,” said a Muslim college student who asked not to be identified as the debate from the hearing spilled into the hallway.

Opponents of the store submitted a petition with some 600 signatures.

Proponents of the liquor store say it will serve an area that has no other liquor store following the closure of the one near 40th and Market. The proposal is for a store that would include increased square footage and a premium selection of products. A Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board official who testified at the hearing said that the proposed store would offer a “premium shopping experience.”

The location includes off-street parking and a loading area in the back of the store, both of which would ease traffic concerns, said property owner Ted Pagano. He said the University City District has also agreed to patrol the location to alleviate concerns about public safety.

Barry Grossbach, who represents the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) on zoning issues, said the SHCA has included stipulations in its approval that would require measures to prevent increased traffic problems and crime near the store.

Grossbach also added that no particular groups should have control over any parts of the neighborhood.

“It’s a live and let live neighborhood,” he said. “We don’t want to start a neighborhood war over this.”

A decision on the store is expected to be issued within a week. Risque is currently on a month-to-month lease and the check cashing establishment’s lease expires in August.

 

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Clark Park Thursday Farmers’ Market returns this week

Posted on 06 June 2012 by WPL

This is a reminder that beginning this week you can shop for fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy, meat, baked goods and flowers in Clark Park on Thursdays as well as Saturdays. The Thursday edition of the Clark Park Farmers’ Market (43rd and Baltimore) is resuming tomorrow, June 7, and will run until Thanksgiving.

The hours are 3 – 7 p.m. And of course, the Saturday Farmers’ Market is open year-round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

 

 

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Cat missing after house fire (42nd and Powelton)

Posted on 06 June 2012 by WPL

 

Charlie escaped during a house fire and his owner is desperate to find him. Charlie is an indoor-only cat, 9yrs old, missing from 4200 block of Powelton Avenue. If you see or pick up Charlie please contact Jen Leary (Red Paw Emergency Relief) at jenleary@comcast.net

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Look Up! Locate this photo. Update: Solved!

Posted on 06 June 2012 by Mike Lyons

Update: Andy L. knows the hood! He solved this one pretty quickly. It’s the town crier bulletin board near 40th and Pine. See comments below.

Think you know the neighborhood? Where was this photo taken? Each morning we’ll zoom out a little until someone guesses right. Place your guess in the comments. One guess per person per day please.

WestPhillyWest Philly

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Adopt-a-Cat: Super-friendly young calico

Posted on 05 June 2012 by WPL

Neighbor Anna is looking for a permanent home for a young calico cat she found on her doorstep during a storm:

“Super-friendly, cuddly, and beautiful young calico kitty needs a home. She was lost during a storm and was found on our doorstep. After several days we took her inside because of her super-friendly behavior and had no luck finding her original owner. She is clean, healthy, litter trained, and does well with our other 2 older cats.

We had her tested (FeLV/FIV negative) and got all of her shots up-to-date. We also gave her flea treatment just in case. She is a young kitty, less than one year old, doctor says. We are out of room with 2 other cats in the house and looking for a loving home for this adorable kitty. She is a great addition to any house and she loves to be around people.”

If you would like to adopt this cat, please contact Anna at: milk_angel@hotmail.com, phone: (267) 348-4208. More photos are available here.
 

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Found tabby cat (49th and Pine)

Posted on 05 June 2012 by WPL


 
Neighbor Taylor found this male neutered cat near 49th and Pine. The cat has “sparkling, friendly personality.” Please call 301 357 6023 with any information.

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