The Spruce Hill Community Association last night unanimously supported a proposal to replace the Risque adult video shop at the corner of 43rd and Chestnut with an “upscale” liquor store.
SHCA members expressed hope that the liquor store, which the state would like to move into the 5,000-square-foot Risque property in the Chestnut Street Plaza, would be similar to the “super store” at 1218 Chestnut St. and would not serve pints, half-pints or fortified wine. The proposed store would also replace the adjacent check cashing place.
Last night’s vote, which came during the association’s regularly monthly meeting, followed a widely reported zoning committee meeting earlier this month.
The proposed store has attracted support since the closure earlier this year of the Wine and Spirits store at 4049 Market St., sending many shoppers to the often crowded shop near 49th and Baltimore. A new store at 43rd and Chestnut, one member pointed out, would provide service to the growing number of BYOB restaurants in the area.
But there is also opposition to the store, mostly from Muslim residents who live near the Chestnut Street Plaza. Some 40 people attended the earlier zoning meeting to voice opposition, though that was not included in most reports. The plaza also includes a halal restaurant and butcher shop. The Masjid al-Jamia mosque is a block away on 43rd and Walnut.
The SHCA vote has no legal ramifications but provides a sign of community support for the liquor store, which could open within a few months. SHCA members also voiced hope that the state’s interest in the location might provide a chance to improve the lighting and outside aesthetic of the plaza.
March 14th, 2012 at 11:12 am
I support this store, but just want to point out that the LCB has a terrible track record when it comes to maintaining their properties. Just look at the store down on Oregon Ave. for the worst example ever. Even in the spiffy new store on Girard they don’t ever seem to sweep up the trash that gathers outside of their garage entrance.
March 14th, 2012 at 11:29 am
I fear this liquor store will bring about the same crowds of vagabonds and guff-wielding teenage miscreants that the Subway store on Baltimore Ave will bring. Has anyone thought about the children? Especially the children’s need for fortified wine?
March 14th, 2012 at 11:44 am
But have you see the store in the Northern Liberties SuperFresh? That thing is a liquor PALACE. Spruce Hill lowballed it by asking for a replica of the 1218 Chestnut Store.
March 14th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Thanks for the update. I was at the SHCA zoning meeting last week and there were quite a few people from the community. Some supportive, some opposed, and most interested to hear that the facility would not be repeat of the eyesore that was the recently closed 41st and Market location. The woman from LCB confirmed at the meeting that she had every intention of making this an upscale location in design and selection, and not a repeat of the recently closed store on Market. The vote of support last night by Spruce Hill was contingent upon the Spruce Hill Zoning Committee continuing to work with the landlord and tenant to address outstanding issues, which usually involves getting several stipulations in writing. In this case that might include improvements to the building and plaza and factors assuring public safety, like lighting, security, trash, etc. Everyone who spoke up at both meetings seemed elated to see Risque is on its way out.
March 14th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Can’t be too upscale if it’s not going to sell fortified wines – port.
March 14th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
An upscale version of Subway, Subway cafe, is what we need on Baltimore.
March 14th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Who owns the beer store across from the mosque at 43rd and Walnut?
March 14th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
So does this mean that the mosque prefers shemale porn to sixpacks?
March 15th, 2012 at 10:11 am
Protests? I guess I need a lesson on why the liquor store is so much worse than the adult video store.
March 15th, 2012 at 10:19 am
I think the concerns come from people who know the lease for Risque is coming to an end and probably wouldn’t be renewed (not a great business model anymore) and would like to see something else go in that spot besides a liquor store. I don’t think they see it as a choice between porn and liquor, but liquor or something else.
March 16th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
As a frequent port drinker I had the same thought on “fortified wines”. Typically the most high end wines I drink are fortified.