Stephen Starr Bier Garden Zoning Meeting 3/2/10 7-8pm

[Brooke]

Fishtowners...please attend!!

A proposal for a beer garden & restaurant by Stephen Starr at 1208-1214 Frankford Ave. The meeting will take place at the Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 E. Montgomery Ave. All residents of Fishtown are eligible to vote. Please bring proof of residence in the form of a driver's license or a photo id and a recent piece of mail addressed to your home.

More info from an neighbor's email:

General:

Roland Kassis (spelling?) is the developer. He owns several properties in our immediate area, particularly along the Frankford corridor. He has a long term development plan and is requesting the assitance and support from the immediate neighbors to realize his vision.

Roland developed numerous properties in N. Liberties (where he lives) and also developed the houses on Mercer Street between F-ford and Crease.

The property under consideration for the Stephen Starr restaurant is on Frankford Ave, beginning next to the Acropolos diner (Frankford and Girard) and spans approximately 100 yards towards Frankford and Thompson.

The concept under consideration is a Bier Garten with ~250 seats. This concept would be co-development with prominent restauranteur Stephen Starr who will operate the establishment similar to his other businesses.
The property has a courtyard type space and plans include using this outdoor space.

As with all other Stephen Starr restaurants, this property would have an open kitchen until 11:00 PM and remain open for drinking/socializing until 2:00 AM.

The expected timeline includes a more formal zoning hearing towards the end of February. Notices wil be circulated as will a message on this e-mail list. ALL NEIGHBORS ARE URGED TO ATTEND. Finances and agreements are secure and the intent is to begin building ASAP after approval is granted.

Concerns:

Parking. The plan includes the use of valet parking and Roland stated he has 70 spaces available with more on the way. Parking will be reasonably priced to be on par with what a patron would pay at a meter. Even with valet service there will undoubtedly be pressure on the immediate area for parking. Efforts are already underway for the 1200 block of Crease Street to move towards permit parking and other immediate streets (Thompson, Day, Leopard) are urged to consider this to help offset this problem. Shackamaxon already has it.

Noise. Houses on Leopard Street will likely bear the brunt of the noise from this project. Roland insisted that he has taken this into consideration and will do everything possible to mitigate noise. Leopard Street residents are strongly urged to attend the zoning hearing to have their concerns heard.

Trash: Roland stated that the dumpsters would be contained inside and the collection company would be instructed for a daily pick-up at 11:00 AM.

Traffic. The concern about valet parking traffic was raised. Parking attendants will need to move cars around rapidly and it is a concern that their route will take them through the immedate blocks.

All in all, it seemed that there is overwhelming support for this exciting project but there is also the expected amount of caution and concern. Please keep your eyes peeled for zoning notices posted at the property as well as circulars in mailboxes regarding the zoning hearing.

[thetalkingmule]

I LOVE this concept. Only problem is I worry it'll be full of Old City douchebags within a week.

[Chris]

I have the same concerns. As much as i like to see new bars / restaurants moving to Fishtown; I would like to see more Side car2 / memphis tap room, and less steven starr. Although, i'm not against the idea either.

Brook, Thanks for the heads up. I think I'll try to make this meeting.

-Chris

[eldondre]

if you don't want a beer garden, send him over here. I'd love to have a beer garden.

[philly57]

Fishtowners...please attend!!

A proposal for a beer garden & restaurant by Stephen Starr at 1208-1214 Frankford Ave. The meeting will take place at the Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 E. Montgomery Ave. All residents of Fishtown are eligible to vote. Please bring proof of residence in the form of a driver's license or a photo id and a recent piece of mail addressed to your home.

More info from an neighbor's email:

General:

Roland Kassis (spelling?) is the developer. He owns several properties in our immediate area, particularly along the Frankford corridor. He has a long term development plan and is requesting the assitance and support from the immediate neighbors to realize his vision.

Roland developed numerous properties in N. Liberties (where he lives) and also developed the houses on Mercer Street between F-ford and Crease.

The property under consideration for the Stephen Starr restaurant is on Frankford Ave, beginning next to the Acropolos diner (Frankford and Girard) and spans approximately 100 yards towards Frankford and Thompson.

The concept under consideration is a Bier Garten with ~250 seats. This concept would be co-development with prominent restauranteur Stephen Starr who will operate the establishment similar to his other businesses.
The property has a courtyard type space and plans include using this outdoor space.

As with all other Stephen Starr restaurants, this property would have an open kitchen until 11:00 PM and remain open for drinking/socializing until 2:00 AM.

The expected timeline includes a more formal zoning hearing towards the end of February. Notices wil be circulated as will a message on this e-mail list. ALL NEIGHBORS ARE URGED TO ATTEND. Finances and agreements are secure and the intent is to begin building ASAP after approval is granted.

Concerns:

Parking. The plan includes the use of valet parking and Roland stated he has 70 spaces available with more on the way. Parking will be reasonably priced to be on par with what a patron would pay at a meter. Even with valet service there will undoubtedly be pressure on the immediate area for parking. Efforts are already underway for the 1200 block of Crease Street to move towards permit parking and other immediate streets (Thompson, Day, Leopard) are urged to consider this to help offset this problem. Shackamaxon already has it.

Noise. Houses on Leopard Street will likely bear the brunt of the noise from this project. Roland insisted that he has taken this into consideration and will do everything possible to mitigate noise. Leopard Street residents are strongly urged to attend the zoning hearing to have their concerns heard.

Trash: Roland stated that the dumpsters would be contained inside and the collection company would be instructed for a daily pick-up at 11:00 AM.

Traffic. The concern about valet parking traffic was raised. Parking attendants will need to move cars around rapidly and it is a concern that their route will take them through the immedate blocks.

All in all, it seemed that there is overwhelming support for this exciting project but there is also the expected amount of caution and concern. Please keep your eyes peeled for zoning notices posted at the property as well as circulars in mailboxes regarding the zoning hearing.

Here is another concern that neighbors may have:

Change: Over the past few years, Fishtown has improved greatly and with all the new residents moving, we've had new shops opening up and vacant lots are being replaced with homes and now I can't find a parking spot as easy as I could before. There is all this traffic and noise, it makes my life unbearable. I wish we could back to the good 'ol days!

You guys are lucky to be getting a beer garden! Yes parking has become more of an issue in Fishtown over the past few years but face it - your property values have gone UP, not down! So cheer up and have a drink!

[Scottcn6423]

I really like this concept and think it will help continue the revitalization of some of the surrounding areas as long as it is done in the best interest of the neighbors and neighborhood. Prost!

[JBL]

They should only open it if it's going to be non-driving patrons who share our style, ideals and choices of beer that go there. I'd rather not see anyone in collars either, and if you've ever been to the Old City section of Philadelphia, well, then admission is obviously denied. Maybe what we really need is a small bar with a VFW-type feel, complete with wood-paneled walls, drop ceilings and no food.

[Chris]

I like how everyone jumps on board with one post that obviously misinterpreted the first few post. I belive the post all supported the project as a whole.

[Sycamore]

They should only open it if it's going to be non-driving patrons who share our style, ideals and choices of beer that go there. I'd rather not see anyone in collars either, and if you've ever been to the Old City section of Philadelphia, well, then admission is obviously denied. Maybe what we really need is a small bar with a VFW-type feel, complete with wood-paneled walls, drop ceilings and no food.

Heh. VFW = Very Few Women.

[3rd&Brown]

I like how everyone jumps on board with one post that obviously misinterpreted the first few post. I belive the post all supported the project as a whole.

I think it's called sarcasm.

I have the same concerns. As much as i like to see new bars / restaurants moving to Fishtown; I would like to see more Side car2 / memphis tap room, and less steven starr.

A neighborhood with just one type of bar (in either theme/direction) is sort of douchey in and of itself.

Variety is the spice of life.


This is a very exciting proposal. It will go a long way toward revitalizing Frankford Avenue and the surrounding commercial areas, which are in somewhat desperate need of development.

[ForeverChanges]

They should only open it if it's going to be non-driving patrons who share our style, ideals and choices of beer that go there. I'd rather not see anyone in collars either, and if you've ever been to the Old City section of Philadelphia, well, then admission is obviously denied. Maybe what we really need is a small bar with a VFW-type feel, complete with wood-paneled walls, drop ceilings and no food.

Don't forget video poker..lots of video poker machines! I also think they should allow me to wear my shamrock print pajama bottoms and slippers there.

[Chris]

I think it's called sarcasm.

ohhhh I didn’t understand......I get the sarcasm, and it's suggesting that a since a few people are only 99% on board with the project that we are closed minded and afraid of change; although, that is not the case. Because we critique a project we are made out to be idiots?!? And you miss quoted me, you Conveniently left out “although I’m not against the project”

[desolate]

uh oh.

the "i moved to the city but I'd rather it be a zero traffic village catering to my specific needs"

issue again.

[romano]

Everyone should chill out on the knee-jerk NIMBY bashing. From every indication I've seen, this project has overwhelming support. It'll be a great addition to the neighborhood, and say what you will about Stephen Starr, he always pulls off his concepts rather successfully. Besides, I think Fishtown is still too far off the radar for the flipped collar brigade to make their presence felt.

[puzzles]

Completely crazy that anyone would be against a Starr restaurant in Fishtown. The only people who have legit cause to are those directly adjacent to the property. Totally mindboggling.

[Scottcn6423]

This place in Williamsburg is a good model for a beer garden: Radegast Hall & Biergarten - Williamsburg, Brooklyn

[eldondre]

rumor has it they might have a few in germany that might be a good model

[thetalkingmule]

Completely crazy that anyone would be against a Starr restaurant in Fishtown. The only people who have legit cause to are those directly adjacent to the property. Totally mindboggling.

What's even crazier is that you seem to think there's anyone against it.

[Butchy]

[QUOTE=Brooke;173939]Fishtowners...please attend!!

A proposal for a beer garden & restaurant by Stephen Starr at 1208-1214 Frankford Ave. The meeting will take place at the Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 E. Montgomery Ave. All residents of Fishtown are eligible to vote. Please bring proof of residence in the form of a driver's license or a photo id and a recent piece of mail addressed to your home.

I don't understand why this is a Fishtown neighborhood issue? I went to Johnny Brenda's zoning meeting several years ago and no one living on the west side of Frankford was allowed have any say in the matter. The Fishtown Neighborhood association said that anyone on the west side was in Kensington South and not Fishtown. Can someone explain why this is different now?

[Tail]

What's even crazier is that you seem to think there's anyone against it.

Did you take a poll of Fishtown? Just because the newcomers want it, doesn't mean everyone. I can definitely sense there are some folks who would have a legit complaint about it.

I like some Starr places, except El Vez (overpriced crap), but love Alma de Cuba and hope this happens, but it wouldn't bother me if it were shot down either.