Why do you think it's going to be some dirty hell-hole? It could turn out to be your next favorite take out place. There's a thread in this section about chinese food in South Philly, and about how it can be kind of mediocre. Why not give it a shot?

What's even the closest Chinese place to that corner?

Edit: Concerns about chinese takeouts being crappy places are well-founded in other parts of the city, but I really don't think that'd be the case at 9th & Ritner..

That's why it is important to have some community involvement - to find out who the owner is, see what their intentions are, and be able to hold them accoutable for any problems that may arise. Basically, to see if it really is good or bad for the neighborhood. I have a Chinese take-out near me (Jade Garden, not a bad place). Sometimes it smells good, but occasionally it smells bad (the exhaust from the kitchen), but this may have more to do with my mood. They are a good neighbor, for the most part. No problems that I've noticed. So it's really all about how the owners intend to run the place. You can only find out the answers at a community meeting. I don't believe ther is a specific neighborhood association that represents 9th and Ritner, (not even close to Bella Vista) so you may just have to show up at the ZBA hearing, if the owner has to have one. If the place is already zoned for take-out, then the owner has a right to open a take-out business.

Which space is this proposed for, the bakery on the NE corner? I ask more out of curiosity as I grew up near there and my father lives close by.

Have you ever mentioned the exhaust to them? Could they do anything?

Resturants may not be allowed but I think i take out could be.

Also, they could apply for a variance

The bakery is doing quite well, actually (and I *do* love the donut smell in the morning) - the proposal, to my understanding, is the SE corner where a former medical office once stood.

I'm wondering, of course, if the neighbors are just paranoid and stirring the kettle - it seems that it would take a massive rehab effort to turn an old medical office into a Chinese take-out... but who knows.

Thanks, gspahn - great information. Much appreciated.