The residents on 9th Street fought hard to keep a new coffee/sandwich shop out of 620 S. 9th Street, but I haven't heard about the final zoning decision.

The spot is zoned for the sale of clothing with accessory coffee and the tenant hoped to upgrade it to the sale of coffee with sandwiches, take-out option, and a well-landscaped outdoor oasis including some kind of water fountain. I live next door and would love a local spot to really get to know my neighbors better.

Has anyone heard anything? Or want to share their opinion? I'd like to better understand why the residents were so against it when the block already has a bike shop, gallery, and graphic business.

I was wondering the very same thing. What drives me crazy is that the neighborhood zoning board is made up of real estate developers who are part of the local "town watch" that never patrols. They have no affiliation with the neighborhood civic association who at least advocates for whats best for the community. It seems to me the whole "town watch" thing is a front to control zoning in the neighborhood. They are completely funded by DiCicco so he pretty much calls the shots. Talk about shady. Did you see that they were bending over backward for the new Starbucks at 9th and South but ganged up on the little mom-and-pop because they could?

The "town watch" that doesn't want to do the dirty work, but just wants to act important and get their faces on TV and names in the newspaper.

Why is a town watch involved in zoning issues more than security patrols is beyond me. They need to get their priorities straight and then roll up their sleeves and do real work.

And concerning the 600 block of South 9th Street, does anyone on that block, especially the west side, know what a broom and a trash can are? The sidewalks and curblines on that block are absolutely filthy!

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11/28-12/31: MACY'S LIGHT SHOW (10AM-8PM EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR) AND DICKENS VILLAGE (10AM-7PM)
BEST VIEWING TIMES AFTER 4PM

Who the heck is in charge of that town watch anyway? I know its like 4 real estate developers and the wife of a real estate agent. But who is in charge? I heard they are completely funded by Citizens Alliance. Are the FEDS investigating the Bella Vista Town Watch too?