A crew from University City District is installing a “parklet” on 44th Street in front of Honest Tom’s Tacos and Lil’ Pop Shop. This is the second parklet in the University City area. The first parklet was installed last summer at the corner of 43rd and Baltimore in front of Green Line Cafe and returned this summer.
A parklet gives people a chance to sit and enjoy life in a space previously used by parked cars. The parklet at 43rd and Baltimore was removed last November, but this year UCD is exploring options to keep parklets warm during the cold months, Naked Philly reports.
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Does anyone know if the shops next to the parklets have to pay for them? If not, how do you qualify? The one outside Green Line is nice, but it is pretty much just extra seating for a coffee shop; it never seemed to me that that intersection was in dire need of a ‘parklet’ considering Clark Park is directly across the street.
If they are just free places to sit, a parklet on Baltimore @ 47th would be killer. Or is that too far from UPenn?
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Here’s a response we received from UCD (Nate Hommel): No, the shops near the parklet do not bear any costs. UCD supplies all materials and acquires all necessary approvals; we only ask that the parklet “hosts” water the plants, bring in the tables and chairs at night and keep the parklet clean.
We scout locations throughout University City for future parklet locations. We are always open to suggestions and agree that 47th and Baltimore could be a great spot for a future parklet.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:04 pm
great, just what our neighborhood needs, less street parking and more uncomfortable, often wet chairs to sit in.
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Why not in front of the Subway?
How does UCD get to pick who deserves these?
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Stewie, UCD pays for them. Why wouldn’t they get to pick where they go?
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I’d just need a cup of coffee to keep me warm 🙂
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:32 pm
From the linked article, “The process of approving the locations for the parklets involved a multi-office collaboration between Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities, neighbors, shopkeepers and more. Neighborhood approval by the majority of property owners on the street is essential, according to Hommel.”
August 23rd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Love the one at Green Line; can’t wait to check this one out too! Great idea to make these places even more pedestrian friendly.
A similar though more permanent concept is coming to two other spots. They’re expanding sidewalks for new seating space at 42nd and Woodland near USciences and 48th and Baltimore near Gold Standard.
August 24th, 2012 at 7:10 am
Not to be cynical, but . . .
One consequence of these “parklets” is that more residents will be forced to purchase parking permits as more free parking is displaced. Win-win for the bureaucrats!
August 24th, 2012 at 8:03 am
A grand total of 6 less parking spaces is not going to affect the state of parking in West Philadelphia.
This is a win for those of us who like nice things.
August 24th, 2012 at 8:58 am
Let’s keep it at 6.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:48 am
What about those of us who don’t own a car? That’s a lot of people in West Philly. I’d rather have more useful and inviting public spaces than more parking spaces.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:51 am
i just don’t find these to look particularly nice. they look like a construction site or something. this corner is not short on nice spaces- there’s a community garden like 50 feet away that actually looks nice. this is just more outdoor seating for restaurants that cater to penn kids.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:10 am
to quote the dude, well thats just like your opinion, man.
i find these architecturally very nice, fresh materials and clean lines. they introduce more public space into the neighborhood, which is never a bad thing. is that community garden set up for dining? i say let the garden be a garden and let the parklet, designed for dining, be what it is. and atleast it keeps sidewalk dining off of the sidewalk, which i find more of a nuisance than one less parking spot. and i don’t think you can argue that there is a shortage of free parking in west philly.
also, i don’t see any sign that says ‘penn kids only’. i like that they give more appeal to local businesses. and honestly, i have never used one of these, but i have had no bad interaction with them, whether i’m walking, bicycling, or driving.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:13 am
i don’t see signs that say ‘penn kids only’, but i do see prices and business models and crowds that say that. as a longtime resident of the neighborhood, i understand gentrification will happen for better or for worse, but my idea of adding ‘beauty’ to the neighborhood isn’t adding outdoor seating for a few fleeting restaurants in an area where residents could use parking. you will all be gone when you get your degree, and (god bless them) honest tom’s and the little pop shop will be gone around then too, but our lives are in this neighborhood.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:36 am
Not to derail this thread from the lively debate on parklets, but I wanted let folks know that parking permits cost $35/year for the first year and $20/year after that. At less than 10 cents a day, it’s perhaps the best deal in the city. If residents are holding out on getting permits because of the $$, they may be misinformed as to how much a permit actually costs.
The most expensive part, of course, is the extra insurance costs you incur when you register your car in the city.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:54 am
I earned a degree from penn, then stayed in the city to live in the community and contribute to the workforce, and that progression is one of the benefits of having universities in a city. but i guess you would just call me a yuppie.
i understand the disdain for penn kids, but this is an innocent parklet, not a bunch of frat doods moving into a home next to life long residents.
August 24th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
No different than other UCD activities like placement of security and garbage cans,this effort caters to Penn(students, staff, etc.) as Penn may be the biggest funder of UCDs $5m annual budget.
Personally, I wish they would put one across from the West African restaurant on Baltimore or Cedar Park Diner further up-they could really use the additional capacity and they have been been around a bit longer than the Pop shop or Tom.
And whether folk like it or not, Penn $$s are changing the community and being active as residents gives voice to your concerns more than gripes like mine on West Philly Local;)
August 24th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
who does ‘rgl’ think they’re speaking to or on behalf???
the dreaded ‘you’ used in “you will all be gone” . . . OK, great assessment of your actual neighbors there chief. rgl sees people as the ‘other’, in this case simply over not liking this use of City Property and who will be using it (and guess what, EVERYONE will be using it, locals and students alike, not just “you” people)
—
I think there’s more residents that PENN students at any one time in our section of the City right now anyways.
and most of us support our local business and any idea that helps the area foster growth, beauty and use
I hope that rgl doesn’t complain about the new bike paths, bike racks and bike stations that will be popping up and yes, taking up “space” because they may happen to not own an actual bicycle
good freaking grief!
August 24th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
bizarre logical leap there. bike paths, bike racks, and bike stations provide a service to the community. the parklets do not. the ‘parklet’ at 43rd and baltimore routinely ejects homeless people who sit there (who are, like it or not, part of our community), and it is very clear that the parklet is considered nothing more than extra seating for the green line. i just don’t think free seating for some new restaurants is a benefit to the community at all, especially when it is taking away space that was used by residents and not as a dining area for restaurants that sell $3 popsicles.
August 24th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
I stopped by Tom’s last night around 8 and the place was jumping. Every seat in the Parklet was filled. Tom’s had a line at the register 5 people deep. Lots of parklet people were drinking fancy beers from the Bottle Shop. Seems like a nice boost to the local economy.
August 24th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Luckily West Philly Local has lured all of the negative Nancys into its comment section here, so we don’t have to run into them at the nice new parklet.
August 24th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
” $3 popsicles ”
enough said
I see you.
August 24th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
I’m not anti-parklet, but I agree with the sentiment that if residents need to pay $30 a year for the privilege to park their car when a space is available, these businesses should have to pay at least something for the public space being dedicated for their use only.
August 24th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Yeah, what the neighborhood needs is to encourage more cars with more parking. Clark park has some promising potential auto space- only Penn yups and students use it anyway with their snooty trees. Real residents want parking!
August 24th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
another hilarious logical leap.
August 25th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
We love the extra seating! What a great idea for our neighborhood!
August 25th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Not that I approve of all (or most) things UCD invests in, BUT just so everyone knows, the parklet is not just for patrons of the businesses it’s in front of. They are “public” parks, intended for anyone in the community to come use. So take advantage of that! Come sit in them and hang out! There aren’t a lot of places for service workers in the area on their breaks to sit and eat lunch from home.
For now I’m glad I don’t have to eat a Tupperware full of salad on the steps of CVS. I wish there were more permanent benches around in general ???
Also for you guys complaining about lost parking spaces… You’re dumb. Are you from California or something??? Get with it!!
August 26th, 2012 at 12:45 am
I am such a big fan of the new seating on 44th street. There really aren’t any benches or resting areas in the neighborhood. You know what truly isnt beneficial to the community? Talking trash about the viability of awesome local business’s because UCD and UPenn students leave a bad taste in your mouth. Toms Tacos and the Lil Pop Shop are owned, staffed and frequented by all manner of hard working neighbors and community members. The parklet is a super sweet, impermanent place to sit while you catch up with friends and neighbors, and hey, maybe eat a delicious taco or an equally delicious pop.
August 27th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
This parklet stuff is bullsh*t. Enough with the holier than thou, cars are evil sh*t. I like Honest Tom’s. In fact, I like it enough to make a quick drive there on my short 1 hour lunch break. The neighborhood is hard enough to park in. Thanks for excluding a customer based on how she got to your restaurant.
/not impressed face
August 27th, 2012 at 9:59 pm
If you honestly can’t find a parking space within quick walking distance to Honest Toms, you’re not looking hard enough. There’s a ton of parking within blocks around lunchtime. In a worst case scenario one could park at CVS or in the Supremo parking lot.
I think they’ll do just fine minus one occasional customer if 2 blocks is too far for him/her to walk.
August 27th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
BeaverFever: If it’s such a quick drive, try riding a bike or taking SEPTA. You, driving alone in your car, suck. Although if you and twelve co-workers make the trip, clown-car style, I’d be impressed (as would Tom).
August 28th, 2012 at 10:43 am
To beaver fever, please don’t leave us. Stop in on your lunch break and I will tell you some top secret parking spots.
To everyone else, thanks for making our first half year a dream come true. Hope you all get a chance to eat or just relax and enjoy yourselves on the new addition.
To those that apparently loathe our business, stop in and talk to me. This is my first go at things, so I’m open to any and all suggestions/advice/insight.
Sincerely,
Tom
August 29th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Interesting how all the groovy, hip, tolerant people here are the ones telling other people that they’re “dumb” or that they “suck.”
August 29th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Can I just ask where in West Philly can you park for $30 a year? We pay $80 a month for spot in the parking lot across from CVS. Would love to pay $30 a year instead:)
August 29th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Frankly I like the trend and wish the newest addition was up earlier (though a few umbrellas for shade would be nice).
I really think the pros out-weigh the cons by a good deal.
* Encourages locals to get out and socialize, forming a stronger community
* Provides additional seating for ANY local business, including two new ones which employ people, are locally owned and are run by nice people putting money into a neighborhood that could use it
* Encourages walking rather then driving (and I’m sorry, in a city, that is generally a GOOD thing, I own a car but I never drive in the city unless I have to)
* is temporary and doesn’t waste space in the winter when driving can make more sense.
* areas people enjoy spending time in are generally better maintained, attract new business (and employment, and money)
There is a LOT more win here then lose (and yes, to be fair, there are some downsides). It’s really sad to see some of the not just negative, but rude comments. It’s ok to disagree, just try and be a civil and kind person. Your points will come of a heck of a lot better.
August 30th, 2012 at 7:45 am
A parking permit is $35. You simply have to have your vehicle registered to your address. If you can show residence via your insurance in the area, you can get your first year permit for $30. Every additional year is $20.
http://philapark.org/permit-information/residential-permit-parking/
August 30th, 2012 at 10:29 am
My two cents: I haven’t been to this one yet but this seems like a really good location for a parklet with all the food/drink business in the immediate area. I do understand the parking concerns. I like to swing by the bottle shop on my way home from work sometimes and it can be tough to find parking in that area but the benefits of having added street presence and an outdoor seating area for pedestrians is worth two spaces. However, I would love to see UCD focus more on turning our open space (abandoned lots) into semi-permanent pocket parks. Also permanent benches set into the concrete in key areas would be a better use of money. I personally feel either of those endeavors would be more useful to the entire community than these parklets but they are a good start.
August 30th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
1. Love that Honest Tom jumped in to introduce himself and address the negative comments. We should be supporting our local businesses, and be grateful ppl in the neighborhood care to bring us amenities that make our lives a little brighter. Plus, yum yum tacos.
2. Travelgirl is on to something. I know we can’t take care of every rundown/abandoned space in WP, but has UCD thought about transforming some of them into little parklets?
August 30th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Hey Beaverfever, I totally hear you. I took my kids to the Pop Shop after school the other day and there was absolutely no parking on the whole block! We had to lean our bikes against a tree. We absolutely need more parking in this neighborhood–let’s get rid of this parklet and put in an on-street bike corral!
August 31st, 2012 at 4:58 pm
NO PARKING? ride a bike!
August 31st, 2012 at 5:14 pm
classist, ableist bullshit- we are not all fit single 20-somethings with jobs in center city and no families to support or transport
August 31st, 2012 at 9:53 pm
It is possible to be 40-something, married, with multiple kids, and not particularly fit, and still rely on bikes.
What’s bullshit is the argument that bikes are just for 20-something hipsters who will eventually grow out of it. Of course the logic of most N. American urban development pushes people towards cars, and in some cases demands it…but I’d be surprised if your “classist, ableist bullshit” conditions don’t in fact apply to the very people moaning about parking here. I’ll wager one of everything on Tom’s menu that “BeaverFever” is an unmarried 20-something with a job in center city and no family to support or transport.
September 1st, 2012 at 1:26 am
As an aside, I just want to say, I think these parklets are great. I love eating outside when the weather is nice and too often there’s no where to sit. I don’t know that they need one at Green Line at 43rd, but the one in front of Honest Tom’s is great.
Love,
A fit unmarried 30-something who just happens to like having this sort of thing in the neighborhood.
To everyone bitching about the UCD and Penn kids – I’d be interested to know what these developments and community improvements are doing to your property values.
September 1st, 2012 at 3:56 pm
A great way to make more parking available is to increase the amount of crime. That also drives the parklets away, by the way.
September 1st, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Or put the meters there and send the short lady near HUP.
September 1st, 2012 at 9:27 pm
RGL, I am over 40 with 2 kids and no car. I have managed just fine getting myself and my children around on a bike. Bicycles come in a vast array of configurations that fit almost all bodies, even bodies with non-typical configurations and abilities.
As for “classist,” this is truly baffling. My bike cost $600 and my bike trailer (for the kids) %400; over the six years I have been a parent, I have spent less than $10 total on maintaining my bike trailer and less than $30 annually on my bike. I also have no need to pay for gas, parking, or insurance and I can do much of my maintenance myself. I would love to hear your recommendations for how to commute more cheaply than this.
September 2nd, 2012 at 2:27 am
its ok to not like or prefer biking.
just dont complain about parking if this is the case.
its also ok to drive. just do it only when absolutely necessary.
September 2nd, 2012 at 3:47 am
@Charles, you owe me dinner =p
I’m a 30 year old married guy who lives in West Philly. I also work in West Philly. While I do get to ride to work often, sometimes I have to drive. I have books, computers, and other materials that aren’t easily stowed on a bike and I can’t just lock them up.
GoldenMonkey, don’t be so judgypants. It’s not cute.
Tom, Thanks for taking the time to respond to the discussion. I like that you care. I see the way you treat your customers and employees, and that’s why I sometimes make the drive over to eat at your restaurant. I like to support local business, and like it even better when the person at the counter is genuinely happy to be there. Cheers. I will hit you up for that secret parking spot though.
September 2nd, 2012 at 9:31 am
What’s not “cute” is someone pretending there is a lack of parking in order to further his own agenda. You don’t like the parklets, so you make up a reason to validate your own opinion. It’s simply not true that there is a lack of parking. I happen to live less than two blocks from Tom’s and drive several times a week. Parking is never an issue, although with the return of the students and the beginning of the PAS school year, there will be less. That said, as a cyclist, I’m sure you can handle not parking directly in front of the establishments.
September 2nd, 2012 at 9:33 am
And I thought I was so good at determining who people really were on the internets. Maybe I can pre-pay on your behalf at Tom’s – to redeem it, just show him your “BeaverFever” tattoo, that legacy of spring break 2002 about which you’re now half-proud, half-embarrassed.
January 7th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
I’m amazed anyone could possibly be against this!
Sorry folks, but parking is a terrible use of space. Parklets are a wonderful neighborhood amenity that are not only nice, but have been proven to improve business at local shops. I say the more the better!