The posts regarding the art galleries got me thinking: What do you all think Girard Ave needs to spawn more development? Does anyone know of any other definite plans? Throwing realistic expectations to the wind, what types of buisness/development would YOU like to see?

well, some good lunch places. maybe some places to go. after that, i'd like to see a computer store, some clothing stores maybe. hmm, maybe a bowling alley. def a beer store, like the foodery or latimer deli only a little cheaper. a liquor store. a grocery store. a wawa. maybe a currency one. a corner park.

I'd love to see a dog park. Lunch places--yes. Some more bars, a more upscale place like Pigalle in N. Libs...Something to fuse more art into the area. The trend right now is knitting classes for the 20-something crowd...I'd have more incentive to go if classes were right on Girard. Dog groomer. (Basically you should be noticing the trend that I want Fishtown to be Dogtown...lol...)

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Resident of Fishtown, Moderator of Fish/No. Libs/Kenzo forum, Real Estate Agent-Prudential Fox & Roach

A dog park in the neighborhood would be nice although I don’t know if Girard ave would be appropriate? The lot across from Adare school on Thompson would be perfect – that area needs to be cleaned up.


Well, there is already a liquor store on Girard, albiet it’s a lousy PLCB wine and spirits (A specialty PLCB at least, would be nice). I agree, a good market like the foodery that sells lots of different types of beers would be great.

I'd love to see a good nitty gritty produce market too, the kind with bins and crates outside with fresh produce, mushrooms, fruit, etc and buckets of flowers, ala Italian market... and a coffee shop – its funny there is an Albanian coffee shop there but they are only open in the evening from like 3-8pm and it’s patronized by only Albanian men, sort of like their little mens club? Strange. It’s a different culture I am not familiar with I suppose?

A book store and music store (CDs) would be nice. ..and of course some simple BYO restaurants.

Hey, anybody know what’s up with the old Marlborough Inn? I’ve seen different orange L&I stickers on the window over the years, but nothing ever seems to materialize. That’s a beautiful corner property that would make for a great bar/restaurant. It’s been ashame to see that property go to waste for so many years.

I also have thought about a dog park and I think I found a good location, Delaware and Columbia ave. There is a grassy section under the 95 off-ramp that is fenced off. A lot of people, myself included, let their dogs run around in there already. It is a perfect spot, away from houses, large, and open. The only problem is the various holes in the fence, once she ran though an opening at the corner and darted into the middle of Delaware ave. I've learnd since that I really have to watch where she goes, but if we fix the holes, the spot would be perfect.

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Teahead215
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That's a great idea...maybe someone should propose it at the next neighborhood meeting. I'd be all for helping to fix the fence and clean it up. (Although I live more towards the Frankford side of Ftown and I can't recall walking my dog near that--I'll take your word!)

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Resident of Fishtown, Moderator of Fish/No. Libs/Kenzo forum, Real Estate Agent-Prudential Fox & Roach

<<< its funny there is an Albanian coffee shop there but they are only open in the evening from like 3-8pm and it’s patronized by only Albanian men, sort of like their little mens club? Strange. It’s a different culture I am not familiar with I suppose?>>>>>


I read somewhere that the Albanian coffee shop was opened to keep their men out of the bars, to give them some place to go...

I also heard a rumor that someone is opening up an internet cafe on E. Girard.

I'd like to see a place that sells organic and/or minimally processed foods, like the co-ops that used to be in West Philly, or maybe like Essene.

Also, a really good place for breakfast. Sulimay's is okay, but I'd prefer something with more options.

Byo's are a great neighborhood development tool. I know when I go to places like Dimitri's, they are always crowded, so while I wait I go to a local bar or any other place of interest close by. If Fishtown could get a decent BYO it would lead to more stores and such.

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Teahead215
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Someone I know just put a bid in on that property.
Would like to turn it into a bar/restaurant. A place
for the neighborhood originally but a place that would
get such great press that possibly people would flock
to from all over.

This individual is already in the bar/food business.
His establishment is in an upscale Center City hood.

He put the bid in about three weeks ago today.
I'll talk to him at the weekend and give everyone a
progress report. I do know he bid much paper

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"Opportunities multiply as they are seized."

Thanks for the info Devonport, keep us posted. With whats happening in the area I think its only a matter of time before that property gets put to good use

L