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.

Update (03/14): The dog has been reunited with his family.

This sweet pup was found at 49th and Catharine this evening. No collar. He is very sweet and well socialized. He is safe with a neighbor but can only be there for a few days.

If anyone knows him or can provide foster care after the weekend, please email Tara at: PJPorches [at] gmail.com

The 5th Annual Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Fundraiser supporting West Philadelphia youth’s pursuit of higher education will take place on Sunday, March 25, from 4-6 p.m. at Dock Street Brewery.

There will be free beer and pizza, a silent auction, and live music by The Wayside Shakeup The Old Fashioneds.

Tickets are $40 and are available here. For more information, email: scholarships [at] cedarparkneighbors.org

Enjoy a lot of chili and help a local pottery studio this Sunday, March 18 at University City Arts League’s annual Chili Bowl fundraiser. The event will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. at 4226 Spruce Street. Here’s how it works.

You can eat all the chili you want, just pay for the hand-crafted chili bowl made by Arts League potters. You can also vote for the best chili maker among neighbors (there will be an amateur competition between about 10 neighborhood residents).

It is a really fun event, with music and raffles, so make sure to bring your kids. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the Arts League. If you’ve never been there before, you are welcome to take a look around or you can even get a tour.

Yards Brewery will be providing beer for the event. A bowl plus all you can eat chili will be $20. For more information, visit ucartsleague.org or call 215-382-7811.

 
Neighbor Sara found this very friendly and healthy cat around 46th and Kingsessing. The cat had almost been hit by a car. Sara took her to a vet to look for a microchip but she does not have one. If this is your cat, please email Sara at: adoptfosters [at] gmail.com

Another gourmet food cart is coming to West Philly. If you happen to be in Clark Park and vicinity tomorrow, check out Kung Fu Hoagies, a vegetarian sandwich and noodle bowl cart, which is launching there this Saturday (March 10) at 10 a.m.

Kung Fu Hoagies is a product of partnership between two guys – Paul Davis and Steve Renzi – and was inspired by Davis’ love of kung fu (he’s a martial arts practitioner), as City Paper reports.

The starting menu is all vegan, including a traditional banh mi ($4), an orange BBQ vegan beef hoagie ($5), and coconut lemongrass beef and sesame peanut chicken noodles (both $5). For the complete menu and other information, visit the Kung Fu Hoagies Facebook page.