The Strip BlogHead

Calling all enthusiastic supporters of the Public Market Hall!

neighborsinthestrip — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:16:52 +0000

Yesterday, a colleague walked into the office excitedly talking about her trip to Kansas City where she visited the City Market (the public market there). She could hardly contain her enthusiasm for creating the public market here. And it got me thinking, there’s millions of folks that we’ve talked to about the public market project who were thrilled with the project…ok, maybe just thousands of folks!

In view of the challenges of obtaining space in a publicly owned building (Produce Terminal in the Strip), it seemed like a good idea to open it up and let anyone and everyone express their thoughts about creating a public market hall in the Strip District.

What do you think? If you’d like to read up on the project, read the page “Public Market.”

An Idea

neighborsinthestrip — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:47:01 +0000

Neighbors in the Strip recently received an email that suggested the following:

“I had an idea for the strip that I suggested once to the city planner. I never heard back from the city regarding my idea, but I still think it is pretty great. I would like to propose that Penn Avenue be shut from car traffic on Saturdays from 23rd street to 17th street . There are several reasons why this would be amazing! 1. People could cross the street at their leisure and not have to worry about getting run over. 2. There would be more room for outdoor eating AND for vendors, making the insanely cramped sidewalks more navigable. 3. It would improve the atmosphere. The strip is personally my favorite part of town and ripe for some overhaul (by that I mean, sprucing up to make it even more inviting!).

…But I honestly believe that it would INCREASE foot traffic to the area and would encourage people to linger longer. For me personally, if I could sit outside and have my biscotti outside Enrico without having to be jostled by the other people on the sidewalk and the sock vendor (bless both of them), I would probably spend more time there. I mean, once I make the trip to the strip, why not hang out? Anyway, I have told a lot of my friends about my “great idea”. They seem to think it’s pretty great as well…”

What do you think? Should Penn Avenue be closed to traffic on Saturdays? or other days?

There is parking in the Strip!

neighborsinthestrip — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:57:50 +0000

We’re getting tired of hearing people say, “I’d shop in the Strip more often if there were parking.” Guess what? There’s lot of parking in the Strip, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

There’s surface parking on Smallman Street between 14th and 16th Streets (only a couple of blocks from the heart of the Strip) for just a few dollars. And there’s more parking behind the Produce Terminal off 21st Street. Or, if you prefer, you can park in the St. Stan’s lot off Smallman and 21st for a $5.00 donation that will help to preserve the hsitoric Saints in the Strip.

Here’s a file that shows where to park in the Strip. And Neighbors in the Strip is working on a wayfinding system and signage that will help folks find what they’re looking for.

Quit whining — unless you get lucky you’ll have to park just as far away at any popular suburban mall.

You’re on Candid Camera!

neighborsinthestrip — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:28:46 +0000

Seven security cameras have recently been mounted on the Terminal Building in the Strip. These cameras will monitor activity along Smallman Street and on the cross streets from 16th to 21st Streets. Thanks to grants from District Attorney Steve Zappala and former Councilperson Len Bodak, the Strip is now an even safer place to live, visit and do business.