Around the Block: 11/12/2021

November 15, 2021 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Philly streeteries update and our current listings. 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 Friday, 11/12/21.

11/12/2021

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

Philly Streeteries Update

Ok, so I find the future of streeteries really significant. I recently wrote about them on October 15th. First, they materially change the look, feel, and vibe of the city streets they occupy and also Center City as a whole. Second, they are vital for the survival of the Philly restaurant scene. I believe Philly has the best food and restaurants in the country—flat out. Philly restaurants are an integral part of our city. Third, while I support streeteries in general, some people have issues with them, ranging from safety concerns, accessibility issues, fairness (i.e., some get approved while others do not), parking space usage, and just the overall lack of a regulatory scheme.

Well, here is a major update on the streetery legislation, as it works its way through City Council:

The City Council Streets and Services Committee unanimously approved an amended streetery bill on Tuesday, as well as a separate bill concerning existing streeteries’ status while the main bill is being finalized. Highlights of the bills include:
- Existing streeteries (who were issued temporary sidewalk café licenses as part of the city’s emergency program during the pandemic) may continue to operate through the end of 2022. This is great news.
- Moving forward, restaurants in certain neighborhoods, including Center City, University City, Passyunk Square, Northern Liberties, and other more commercial districts will be able to operate streeteries under a more regulated system. Restaurants in more residential neighborhoods will need approval from their district councilperson to operate a streetery. Basically, upholding the age-old custom of councilmanic prerogative.
- Streeteries will face more robust regulations concerning size, accessibility, proximity to a corner or fire hydrant, crash-proof safety barriers, and hours (must close by 10 pm weeknights and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday), among other things.

While these bills will need the support of the majority of Council, the unanimous approval in committee is certainly an excellent start.

I fully support streeteries in Philly, and when it comes to politics, I understand that compromise of competing interests is necessary when trying to achieve a result that is best for the city. (I certainly wish the US Congress would consider this compromise angle as well.)

That is it for now. I hope everyone is over the “fall-back” time lag and has an awesome weekend.

Best regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

733 S 12th Street #200

3 BD | 2 BA | Roof Deck | Garage Parking | Ideal Location | $565,000

Prepare to be amazed by this stunning, three-bedroom, two-bath condo located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the heart of Bella Vista. Completely renovated in 2010 with additional upgrades completed in 2019, this home hosts charming original features alongside modern amenities.

Enter into the second-floor unit and you are instantly greeted by rich hardwood floors and high ceilings, all accented by the natural light pouring in through the large windows. The eat-in kitchen is adorned with solid-wood cabinets accented by state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances and exposed brick walls. This spacious gourmet kitchen overlooks the sunken living room, with sweeping 10’ ceilings, ideal for seamless entertaining.

Unwind at the end of each day in your private primary suite, with ample closet space and a spa-inspired ensuite bath featuring a glass-enclosed stall shower with a rain showerhead.

For ultimate privacy, the secondary bedrooms sit on the opposite side of the unit, down a long hall adorned with exposed brick. These two additional bedrooms boast large windows, spacious closets, and both enjoy the use of a fully updated hall bath.

Just one of the many perks of living in Bella Vista is the incredible skyline views from the roof-top decks that fill this area. Each tenant of this boutique building has a designated private area of the rooftop to enjoy the panoramic views however they wish. A spacious one-car garage with Zagar mosaic can be accessed at the back of the building, as well as a basement-level storage unit.

733 S 12th Street sits just steps away from both picturesque Hawthorne Park as well as Palumbo Recreation Center and Seger Park. Residents of this area enjoy the close proximity to an abundance of local favorites such as the Italian Market, Fiorella Pasta, Function Coffee Labs, and Dante & Luigi’s.

View full listing here

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Featured Listings

7111 Germantown Avenue Mount Airy New Construction $395,000 – $1,200,000	722 S Bancroft Street Graduate Neighborhood 3 Bed \| 2.5 Bath $795,000
733 S 12th Street, Unit 200 Hawthorne 3 Bed \| 2 Bath $565,000	1811 Chestnut Street #502 Rittenhouse Square 2 Bed \| 2 Bath $495,000
727 S 50th Street, Unit B University City 3 Bed \| 3 Bath $375,000	233 S 6th Street #304 Society Hill 1 Bed \| 1 Bath $345,000
1535 W End Drive NEW PRICE Overbrook 3 Bed \| 1.5 Bath $214,900	250 S 13th Street, Unit 8F Washington Square West Studio \| 1 Bath $174,900

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, thephiladelphiacitizen.org, shofuso, and Canva.

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