Some Burholme residents are not pleased that a deli with a liquor license will soon open, but they will work with the owner to develop what his lawyer calls “a conditional licensing agreement.”
Attorney Stephen R. Murphy was soft-spoken, but, at the same time adamant, that the process that led his client to obtain the liquor license is over.
Frank Huynh, 35, bought the property at 7235–37 Rising Sun Ave., home of the former Moegerle Paints, a year ago. He will live on site with his wife and 3-year-old child.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approved the transfer of a liquor license in February. The 1,800-square-foot store will sell beer, groceries and deli products.
A few neighbors insist that Huynh did not properly post the license notice. Now, they cannot appeal.
“We think this was done in an underhanded manner,” one woman said.
Murphy said the LCB conducted its typical investigation before approving the license, a sign that the notice was properly posted.
“The legal process is finished,” he said.
The store will likely be open seven days a week, with tentative hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. There will be tables and 30 or more chairs.
In response to concerns that people will be drinking out of brown paper bags, Murphy explained that Huynh bought the place for $400,000 and will be putting $125,000 into renovations, including bright lights and interior and exterior security cameras. An identification scanner will weed out underage drinkers.
The store will not look rundown, like some delis in Kensington and North and West Philadelphia, Murphy promised, noting that his client will be living on site.
“He’s invested way too much money to attract that kind of clientele,” the lawyer said.
Other complaints included the late closing hour and the deli competing with its future next-door neighbor, the Quaker Diner, which provides food for civic group members after meetings. Residents wished Huynh had reached out to them.
“The law doesn’t require you to circulate fliers through the neighborhood,” Murphy said.
When a woman said other businesses have come to neighbors before opening, Murphy conceded the point.
“He should have approached it that way,” he said.
Murphy won over the neighbors when he agreed to come to next month’s meeting. He’ll bring Huynh.
A former nuisance bar prosecutor for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, he suggested a permanent conditional licensing agreement. The details will be forthcoming.
In other news from the March 14 meeting:
• Linde Lauff, president of Friends of Pennypack Park, encouraged people to call 215–934-PARK for a recorded message on upcoming activities. The group focuses on recycling and cleanups in support of the 1,688-acre park that stretches from Pennypack on the Delaware to Fox Chase Farm.
Lauff, also co-coordinator of Northeast Tree Tenders, asked residents and businesses to consider planting trees on streets. The cost is $20, and owners are asked to water the tree — 15 to 20 gallons a week — for two years.
To request a tree, call 215–694–9607 or email netreetenders@aol.com
Volunteers will dig holes and plant the trees.
• The association gave a tentative OK for the homeowners at 1500 Shelmire Ave. to make a curb cut for a driveway on the Dorcas Street side of the property. The zoning committee planned to make an on-site visit before giving its official approval.
The couple’s next-door neighbor, who will have a parallel driveway under the proposal, wrote a letter of support. A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for April 9.
• Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association will meet on Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, at Cottman and Lawndale avenues.
The group will also meet on May 9 and June 13 before breaking for the summer. Eight local pizza parlors will be invited to the June meeting for a “Best of Burholme” taste test. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215–354–3034 or twaring@bsmphilly.com
