Around the Block: 1/20/2023

January 23, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Streeteries update, our new and current listings, and Philly happenings. If you’d like to discuss real estate or anything in this newsletter please send me an email: [email protected]. This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Saturday, 1/21/23.

1/20/2023

Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block

Streeteries Update

I have written a lot about streeteries in past newsletters.

For those who are not familiar, a streetery is simply an outdoor dining extension where a restaurant puts tables in the street to serve food and drink, typically, by way of some structure. Streeteries can be anywhere from flimsy and makeshift to solid and semi-permanent. Technically a streetery does not even need a structure and could be tables that block off (in full or part) a street used for vehicular traffic. It could block off the entire street or perhaps just a few spots in a parking lane. In Philly, we spell it “streetery” while in some other cities, they say “streatery.” Both make sense because as you probably figured, the word is a combination of “street” and “eatery.” Pretty straightforward. What is not straightforward is how streeteries should be regulated. And what is not surprising is that any way you look at it, Philly has totally flubbed this regulatory attempt.

Cities have closed off streets for expanded food tables before, sometimes temporarily and sometimes more permanently. The earliest use of the term “streatery” found in my very brief research was from a 2017 planning report from Seattle (and that report references Portland’s “Street Seats” program started in 2012). But like most people, I heard the term “streetery” for the first time during the pandemic. Rewind to 2020 when streeteries became a thing in Philly and immediately became ubiquitous for an obvious reason: restaurant capacity was severely limited. How would they survive? At the same time, vehicular traffic in the city was drastically reduced, so the streetery-induced cramped streets and loss of parking spaces were no big thing at the time. And next thing you know, streeteries of all shapes, styles, sizes, and amenities were all over the city. Some were mostly open-aired. Others were fully enclosed and perhaps provided less ventilation than the brick & mortar restaurant itself. And every concept in between.

In October 2021, I wrote about the history of outdoor dining in Philly and ended that piece with the words: “Philadelphia Maneto. Streeteries Maneto.” As you may know, “Philadelphia Maneto” is inscribed on our City’s seal and roughly translates to “Long Live Brotherly Love.” And “Long Live Streeteries” I wrote at the time.

Then the following month, I wrote more about Streeteries and a proposed ordinance to regulate them in the city. Then, a year ago I followed up with an update on the ordinance that eventually passed. I discussed the regulatory scheme (including safety issues), where streeteries would be permitted, and how councilmanic prerogative could mean that each district council person would have sole authority for which streeteries would be approved in their district (hopefully you gave to their campaign, wink-wink). That being said, the general plan was that streeteries would continue to flourish throughout Center City and many other neighborhoods, albeit regulated for safety and location.

Spoiler Alert—For various reasons, it did not turn out that way. Regulatory enforcement began this month and fewer than 10% of the existing 2021 streeteries have applied for a permit under the new regulations (and none have yet been approved). The other 90%? Owners were required to take them down or face fines. Many have done this. Some have not.

There are many reasons for this dearth of applications. The application (and required accompanying professional design and safety plans) is expensive and time-consuming with no guarantee you will be approved. Some restaurants just could not afford it. On top of that, virtually no existing streetery would be permitted under the new scheme. So even if approved, the restaurant would have to demolish and rebuild. And with the cost to build today, that is even more expense. Then there is the street frontage issue. Many if not most of the pandemic-era streeteries extended on the street beyond the property lines of their brick & mortar storefronts. Under the new regulation, all streeteries must be within the confines of the property line, and even then, there are additional restrictions for being too close to the corner, fire hydrants, etc. This materially limits the potential size of many streeteries, and combined with the extreme start-up costs, has led to where we are now: the end of many streeteries and our City’s newly minted streetery culture. Oh, and add to all of this, the seemingly inevitable delay that all administrative applicants face in this city. Wait… and there’s more. On top of all this, restaurateurs have complained that the City has provided conflicting instructions and direction, causing unnecessary cost and angst. This alone has caused some restaurants to forgo application. The end result is that as of this time, the City has no legal, approved streeteries.

As I have said before, I love the idea of streeteries, and what they add to the city. But I also understand and fully support a sensible regulatory scheme, especially when it comes to safety and fairness. Blocking a fire hydrant? That is an understandable issue. Structures that limit driver and pedestrian fields of view? Understand that as well. Structures too flimsy to withstand any kind of vehicular contact? Blocking another business’s street view without permission? These all seem like reasonable issues to regulate. But it is the application cost, the red tape, the delay, and the lack of clarity and assistance that has taken a regulatory scheme that could work for a solid number of restaurants and made it only available to a small minority. The large restaurant groups, for example, are likely to have the resources and economies of scale to make this work. Not to mention larger street frontage. But most sole proprietors will not.

I hope the City and restaurants can work on these issues and provide an updated safe and fair regulatory scheme for streeteries. So, I can once again proclaim: Streeteries Maneto!

And finally, GO BIRDS!

Warm regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue

ONLY 3 (out of 19) UNITS REMAIN at this stellar condominium project in a most desirable Mt Airy location. With significant character and included covered parking, this development is the culmination of the adaptive reuse of a century-old church annex, showcasing a Wissahickon schist exterior with a newly constructed fourth floor addition; all new systems; large, smartly laid out spaces; ample and balanced light; beautiful, tasteful finishes; and low operating costs (utilities, taxes, condo fees).

7111 Germantown is easily accessible to so many restaurants, cafes, retail, parks, shopping, library, and more. 5-minute drive to the Wissahickon Valley and miles of wooded trails. 5-minute walk to two SEPTA regional rail lines. And, of course, a quick ride to Chestnut Hill, Center City, Manayunk, and the Main Line.

Extremely low taxes, condo fees, and utility costs in this energy efficient project. Superior construction includes extra insulation and advanced sound attenuation methods. Some units have outdoor space. This is an elevator building and is pet friendly.

7111 is comprised of very spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom residences, each of which has different layouts and features, including high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and exposed stone and beams. All residences have big windows, open floor plans, excellent space and light, spectacular finishes, ample closets, and storage. Every unit comes with an assigned covered parking spot (with EV charging available). Upgrade to a 2-car tandem parking space for $25,000.

Full TAX ABATEMENT through 2032. Photos shown may not be listed unit. Floorplans available for all units.

View full listing here

Philly Fun This Week

New Exhibition

Ever wonder what the future will look like? No one truly knows, but if you want to see the perspectives of 10 different artists, visit the National Liberty Museum for its brand-new Imagined Futures exhibition. The exhibition includes mixed media works from each of the artists that explores what the future could look like when influenced by various cultures, histories, and economies.

Photograph from @nationallibertymuseum on Instagram & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

Want to learn how to make dumplings? Well, look no further than the Dumpling Academy which just brought back its dumpling workshops for the Lunar New Year season. During the workshops, an expert instructor will show participants how to handmake the delicious treat all the way from preparing the delicious filling, to wrapping, to lastly cooking and of course, eating. In addition to learning how to make dumplings guests will also learn to make a traditional Chinese rice ball dessert called Tangyuan. And don’t worry, the class starts with a complimentary dim sum snack so participants won’t get too hungry while they cook. Registration and tickets are required.
For more restaurants and places to celebrate the Lunar New Year, check out this list from Visit Philly. Some food options to check out are Luk Fu Philly at Live Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, Shanghai Gourmet, Sang Kee Peking Duck, Tambayan, and of course, all of the amazing restaurants in Chinatown.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Catch a Whodunnit Mystery Show

If you enjoy a classic Whodunnit mystery or are a fan of the Golden Girls, head on over to Red Rum Theater to see a special edition of Without a Cue Productions’ Golden Girls Murder Mystery. Red Rum is the first theater in Philly dedicated to murder mysteries and is Without A Cue Productions new home base. The show runs through April 29th on Fridays through Sundays..

Photograph from thephiladelphiacitizen.org & content courtesy of uwishunu.

Featured Listings

PASSYUNK SQUARE

1412 S Beulah Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

3 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,080 SF | $400,000

WASH WEST

504 S 11th Street #36

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,166 SF | $385,000

MOYAMENSING

1933 S 6th Street

5 BD | 5 BA | 3,250 SF | $599,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue

New Construction

$340,000 – $1,200,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,792 SF | $429,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4215 Regent Square

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,710 SF | $685,000

SOCIETY HILL

742 Lombard Street

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,446 SF | $725,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4614 Paschall Avenue

4 BD | 4.5 BA | 2,800 SF | $598,000

Know Someone Looking to Buy or Sell?

As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.

Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.

Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via UWISHUNU and Canva.

Office: 212-913-9058

Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Streeteries Update

Spotlight Property

7111 Germantown Avenue

Philly Fun This Week

Featured Listings

Moving? Discover the value of your home.