Panepinto Jewelers
Ron Panepinto Karen Panepinto-Minarcik 702 Sansom St. • Phila., PA 19106 Tel: 215-923-1980 email: info@panepintojewelers.com www.PanepintoJewelers.com
Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILA., PA 19114
215-698-7000 PhillyRecord
Vol. XVIII No. 31 (Issue 461)
9th St. Eyes A BID
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The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South/Southwest Philly The Way It Deserves
August 4, 2016
SHOPPERS delight in the bargains to be found in the 9th Street Market. Would their delight be increased if the merchants formed a Business Improvement District? Photo by Maria Merlino
by Maria Merlino Some 9th Street business folks are bidding to have a BID, a Business Improvement District. They believe by spending a little money to spruce up the street, its businesses will prosper. Is everyone on board? Not really. Some merchants are culturally wary of bureaucracy, while others are ready to retire without taking on new challenges. And many, particularly from immigrant communities, just don’t like to offer opinions about public policies. What can BIDs do to for the community? The BID for the 9th Street Market, if it passes, will have an immediate effect and will change the whole community,
say its backers. “The streets will be cleaner,” says Michele Gambino of the South 9th Street Business Association. “So, instantly, that will make a difference for cleanliness. It’s a positive impact. The parking lot will be cleaner, and walking to it will be safer. A number of jobs will be created. There will be a team of employees walking the area with a good knowledge of the market. They can answer questions about shopping. All the things that tourists want to know about the fabulous stuff right in our own backyard. “If you want to envision a trip from City Hall going (Cont. Page 2)