Studio 34 needs a “nightclub” permit to keep hosting large events like the City Kitties benefit auction pictured here. Photo from City Kitties.

A couple of dozen supporters of Studio 34, the yoga and arts space at 4522 Baltimore Ave., breathed a collective sigh of relief last night when the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee vowed to help figure out a way to get the studio compliant with city codes.

Studio 34 needs a “nightclub” permit to continue to hold events like dance recitals and art shows that it has held since it opened eight years ago. A few residents who live near the studio are concerned that if Studio 34 vacates the building one day (it has a 20-year lease) the nightclub permit might be used to open an actual nightclub. The building’s owner also owns the nearby Fiesta Pizza.

The ordeal began a couple of years ago when an organization rented Studio 34 to host a large event. They set up a bunch of folding chairs, but didn’t leave an aisle, a code violation. Later a city inspector came around and suggested that Studio 34 needed a special permit to hold large events that weren’t part of its core mission as a yoga studio. Since another part of its mission is providing community space for all sorts of events, Studio 34’s co-owners have decided to pursue the permit.

“We just want to do it above board,” said co-owner Jim Peniston.

The zoning committee committed to helping Studio 34 and nearby residents figure out a way to get the permit, but have some limits placed on it. For example, there could be a stipulation that the permit has an expiration date.

“No one is anything but complimentary about what you guys are doing,” said zoning committee chair Barry Grossbach.

While no decision was made at last night’s meeting, the board promised to be supportive of Studio 34’s efforts while reassuring neighbors that they won’t someday live near a rollicking, nighttime hot spot.

Last December we reported that the Subway restaurant at 4533 Baltimore Ave. closed down for an indefinite time. Four months later the restaurant is still closed and a sign appeared on the building saying that the space is being leased by Mallin Panchelli Nadel Realty, Inc.

The 1,100-square-foot space with a basement is reportedly offered for $2,500 a month (the listing with more information and photos is here). All the equipment, fixtures and furniture left after Subway are still there and available for purchase, according to the listing.

Prior to Subway this space was used by small local businesses. The news of Subway opening in the space in 2012 wasn’t taken well by some community residents (see photo below). The restaurant became a focal point of controversy in 2011 and 2012 (read more here).

Tinycircus performs at Go West! Craft Fest (Photo West Philly Local).

One of this weekend’s highlights is the Spring edition of Go West! Craft Fest. The popular annual event is returning this Saturday (April 25) to the beautiful Woodlands grounds at 40th and Woodland Ave. and bringing dozens of artists and crafters, food, music and fun. Here are the deets:

The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the front of the Woodlands (entrance on Woodland Ave). Around 100 artisans will present their handmade items, such as jewelry, accessories, ceramics, home accents, soaps & candles, toys, terrariums, prints, stationery and much more! The previous craft fest, held in December 2014, was a big success with scores of people shopping for holiday gifts. The upcoming event is a great opportunity to buy something unique for Mother’s Day.

The spring edition of Go West! Craft Fest is also a great family event. While parents are browsing the stalls, kids can enjoy live music and other performances and activities. The University City Arts League and the 34th Woodland Rangers Scout troop will be providing free craft activities, and there will also be free face painting. And here’s the performance schedule for this Saturday:

11 a.m. – The Green Tambourine
12:30 p.m. – Jay Sand, All Around This World
1:30 p.m. – Silverton
2:30 p.m. – Philadelphia Women’s Slavic Ensemble
3 p.m. – Tinycircus by Tangle Movement Arts
4 p.m. – Shakey Lyman & Sean Dorn  Continue Reading

The Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) is inviting neighbors to learn more about and discuss new development proposals in the area at their next zoning committee meeting on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Orens Brothers presenting their new project at Spruce Hill zoning meeting in March, 2015.

A discussion of a new development project at 4415 Chestnut Street is scheduled to be the first item on the agenda. Orens Brothers proposed a bold development for 150 apartment units, 50 parking spots, and three commercial/retail spaces at 4415 Chestnut through to Ludlow and down Ludlow, both sides, to 44th street. This will be an opportunity for neighbors to hear the proposal and offer questions and comments.

Other agenda items include:

• Two family dwelling at 217 S. 42nd Street. The Committee and neighbors approved these two units earlier, and this is the official RCO meeting.

• Studio 34’s application for a Special Assembly License. Read more about this application on the Studio 34 Facebook page.

• 22-28 S. 43rd Street. Continuation of discussion on development of land adjacent to an existing mosque. An update from the architect on design issues will be presented.

• 4530 Locust Street. Application for a three-unit building.

The meeting will take place at the SHCA office at 257 S. 45th Street. Each topic discussion is expected to take about 15 minutes, except for the 4415 Chestnut St project, which may take up to an hour, according to a committee notice.

After many years of wishful thinking, high hopes and false starts, bike-share bicycles will be unleashed on the streets of Philadelphia tomorrow.

The bike share service Indego officially kicks off with a “ride off” beginning at Eakins Oval tomorrow morning to launch the service. Tickets for those inaugural rides are sold out. But you can get a bike and do your own ride off tomorrow if you like.

An important note for folks around here, though – the stations planned for Clark Park, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 44th and Walnut near the Supremo Shop ‘n Bag and Mantua Haverford Community Center (39th and Mt. Vernon) are still listed as “coming soon” or “unavailable” rather than “active” on the map of stations around the city.

That leaves eight stations in West Philly open for business tomorrow. See the map here.

With less than a month remaining until a primary election that will likely have a huge impact on the future of city politics, here’s an important event where you can meet some of the candidates, hear what they have to say and ask your questions.

The 27th Ward invites community members to come out this Thursday (April 23) to USciences’ Rosenberger Hall to hear Democratic City Council-at-Large candidates Bill Greenlee, Alan Domb, Jenne Ayers, Frank Rizzo Jr., Isaiah Thomas, Tom Wyatt, Alexander Wilson, and candidate for City Commissioner Will Mega.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Rosenberger Hall is located at 600 S. 43rd Street (next to the basketball courts in Clark Park).

This is another political candidates forum hosted by the 27th Ward this spring. The first forum, where mayoral candidate Jim Kenney participated, was held on March 26.