What's Your Vision for Hatboro?
Following the cancellation of First Friday; Wawa’s plans to demolish historic buildings to construct a new store; and a pending sale of the Big Marty’s property, locals are at odds over the reality of Hatboro’s downtown and what it could or should be.
When you envision a “vibrant downtown” are tattoo parlors, cash for gold stores and tobacco shops part of the landscape?
For Hatboro Borough Councilman Bill Tompkins, the answer is a firm no.
“I would like to see something different,” Tompkins said. “(But), a business has to survive. If there’s no market for the business, it won’t survive and it won’t stay there.”
Taking in the view of shuttered businesses, for sale signs and recent additions that dot the York Road landscape, Tompkins’ sentiment seems to ring true.
Zoning fix?
Doing something to tweak that business reality, well, that could be trickier according to Tompkins, who heads up the borough’s zoning, planning and historic preservation committee. As the borough, realtors, landlords and Main Street Manager Stephen Barth, a part-time borough consultant, work to fill vacancies for both small storefronts and large anchor sites including the former CVS and Big Marty’s stores, questions have been raised over the type of businesses moving into Hatboro recently.
“My frustration over the local business landscape degrading into only businesses that serve the low-income members of our community has had me concerned for some time,” April Fox Regan commented on a related Patch article. “While a dollar store here or there never hurt anyone, the lack of town planning in Hatboro is atrocious.”
Some, including Fox Regan, who’s at the forefront of the fledgling Hatboro Residents’ Association, have suggested that ordinances be put in place to designate the types of businesses allowed in the borough’s downtown shopping district.
“I haven’t heard anything proposed that way. Somebody would have to make a case to look at it,” Tompkins said of rezoning areas, or limiting allowable uses in certain areas. “My quick thinking says I don’t see it.”
Doylestown Borough, viewed by some as a benchmark for Hatboro, has encountered obstacles in terms of finding a “good balance” of retail, service and office uses in its downtown district, according to Doylestown Borough Manager John Davis.
“It’s a fairly constant refrain - the desire to attract and retain retail as opposed to office and service-related businesses,” said Davis, who, since the 1990s has been responsible for the Main Street Manager duties. “We are lucky at the moment and it hasn’t always been the case. We have a good balance.”
Maintaining that balance, Davis said, has been possible by virtue of the businesses looking to set up shop in the borough. Like Hatboro, Davis said Doylestown officials have not put specific zoning or allowable uses in place. Instead, he said the entire downtown is zoned central commercial, which allows for office, retail or restaurant uses.
Davis attributes some of the success to having the courthouse in the center of town.
“That kind of creates the demand in terms of business,” Davis said.
The only local government-related change Tompkins is willing to consider are tweaks in designations for what is and isn’t allowed in certain districts under Hatboro’s 10-year-old comprehensive plan.
“You can’t say, ‘We want $40 a meal restaurants in this area,’ ” Tompkins said. “There’s difficulty in trying to legislate reality.”
Finding a vision
By description, a town’s comprehensive plan offers a framework for land use decisions. Tompkins contends that updating the plan and coordinating with the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, Hatboro’s Main Street, and Elm Street Hatboro will help in realizing that goal.
“You want the best you can get,” Tompkins said, noting that the community also plays a role in the downtown’s success or failure. “If you see a store you like, patronize it and that will hopefully draw some like-minded businesses.”
Barth, oftentimes the go-to guy for connecting would-be business owners with landlords, said when he asks “what type of tenant would you like,” the property owner usually responds with, “whoever will pay the rent.”
And, since the $10 per square foot average lease rate for Hatboro is much less than the $25 to $45 per square foot rate in Newtown and Doylestown, two Bucks County communities with downtown areas, the reality is those towns “get a higher quality tenant,” according to Barth.
“This is not like quantity versus quality,” Barth said, referring to comments made by Patch users. “Our lease rate is very low. Some of the businesses that people complain about, it’s affordable for those businesses to come.”
A Doylestown resident, Barth said he’s not trying to create another Doylestown, where, according to City Data, the median home value in 2009 was $386,864 as compared to the median home value of $254,027 for Hatboro that same year.
“I want Hatboro to be Hatboro,” he said. “I’m trying to enhance more of what it is. It would be trying to develop the assets, trying to create a good mix of stores.”
For starters, Barth said his vision is to encourage borough eateries to stay open for dinner. Only one-third to one-half are open beyond the afternoon, he said. Since the evening hours in the 6 p.m. time frame produce the most traffic on York Road, Barth said it only makes sense for businesses to be open then. Barth said he also hopes to use the various antique shops throughout the community to “create Hatboro as a destination.”
“Hatboro is reinventing itself,” Barth said of its evolution from colonial roots, later becoming a manufacturing hub and now to a town seemingly in limbo. “People like Hatboro because we have a town. We’re the only little downtown in five to seven miles.”
But, some have argued that in order to do any of your regular shopping, you must get in your car and drive out of Hatboro.
“To get your kids clothes, your clothes, high end costume jewelry, even a pair of gloves you need to leave Hatboro,” Chris Gowen, owner of A Dog’s Life (and a Cat’s Too) commented on a related Patch article. “BUT, if you want your nails done, a tattoo, want a bank loan, a piece of pizza, or your car repaired---just come to Hatboro--the East coast haven to all of these.”
If some locals had their way, the Big Marty’s property, which is slated to change hands in about a month, would become a Trader Joe’s. In reality, real estate and business development decisions are out of the council’s hands.
“The borough can’t go to a specific business and say, ‘you will open a store in Hatboro,’ ” Tompkins said. “You can encourage people, you can’t coerce.”
The same bodes true for suggestions residents have made about refusing certain businesses, including an Aaron’s rent-to-own store, which may fill the 10,000-square-foot Big Marty’s.
“You have to allow somebody to take their shot from a business standpoint,” Tompkins said. “If the market’s not there to support it, it’ll go away.”
Development challenges
Despite boasting a 97 percent occupancy rate, close to 500 total borough businesses and “only a handful of open spots,” according to Barth, the empty anchor sites, including the CVS property, the Old Mill Inn, the Big Marty’s and the recently purchased Wachovia Bank building give the feeling that much more needs to be done to revive the town.
“A lot of those properties that have been empty for a long time, they’re in very poor condition,” Barth said. “There’s the cost of the building, whether you buy it or lease it, and the cost of the fit-out of the building.”
The $899,999 asking price for the TD Bank-owned Old Mill Inn and neighboring building which houses Spa Escape, for instance, is “equal to or more” that of the costs required to fix the properties up, Barth said. The Old Mill, which is situated adjacent to the oft-flooded Pennypack Creek, sustained perhaps the worst damage of all borough properties during Hurricane Irene and the back-to-back Tropical Storm Lee.
“There’s a lot of mold issues in there,” Barth said, adding that he’s shown the nearly 300-year-old property to “multiple” restaurants. “How do you put a restaurant in there when you know it’s going to flood out?”
Barth said he’s asked TD Bank to donate the Old Mill Inn to Hatboro as it’s believed to be one of the borough’s oldest buildings. Even if that were to happen, it’s not clear if borough officials would welcome the responsibility, liability and expense with open arms.
“You really need a plan and you need to look at what the cost is,” Tompkins said.
To date, Wawa is the only entity to make an offer for both properties. The convenience store giant said it intends to preserve the Old Mill “as-is.” If Wawa is granted zoning relief from the existing high-density residential designation, two adjacent properties on Horsham Road would be demolished to allow for a 5,102-square-foot store and six-pump gas station. Formal plans have yet to be filed with the borough. Wawa officials are holding a question and answer session on Feb. 28 at Pennypack Elementary School.
Fox Regan and others from the Hatboro Residents’ Association have voiced concern over increased traffic, quality of life issues and a loss of historical structures if Wawa is given the go-ahead. The group has begun a petition drive to keep Wawa from opening a second borough location at this corner.
A former Hatboro resident who asked to remain anonymous, told Patch that while traffic might be “dreadful,” Wawa may be the best option.
“Stores in Hatboro are going out of business left and right. Hatboro residents want more industry and commerce...and jobs...and the Wawa would accomplish that in a big way,” she said. “You can only have so many ‘Lacey Lady’ and gift shops to support a town. Restaurants are great...but people need to have disposable incomes to eat out.”
The future of the Old Mill Inn aside, Barth said other anchors, including the former CVS, pose their own unique challenges. Barth said he’s tried, unsuccessfully, to have the building sub-leased.
“CVS has almost two years left on the lease,” he said. “The folks live in Florida that own the building. It doesn’t impact them if one of our main anchors sits empty.”
And, while the rallying cry tends to be for more retail, Barth said it’s one of the most difficult types of businesses to secure. The average 1,500 to 2,000-square-foot storefront costs about $1,500 a month in rent. Factor in utilities, merchandising costs and employees and the would-be business owner has to have a “pretty significant business” just to scrape by. In comparison, Barth said the average mom and pop store generates $100,000 to $150,000 a year in commerce.
While there may not be a quick fix to filling anchor sites or revamping the downtown, Tompkins is confident that things will turn around.
“As the vacancy rate goes down the value goes up,” he said. “Hatboro’s always been a good place, I think, for people to take a gamble and come in and open a store.”
In This article
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A Dog's Life (and a Cat's too)
109 N York Rd, Hatboro, PA -
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Spa Escape
701 Horsham Rd, Horsham, PA -
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Pennypack Elementary School
130 Spring Ave, Hatboro, PA -
The Lacey Lady
124 N York Rd, Hatboro, PA
BP
7:11 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mr. Tompkins speaks of updating the town's comprehensive plan, which sounds like it could be promising . However, to do so, he plans on coordinating with Chamer of Commerce, Hatboro Main Street, and Elm Street Hatboro only? Where is any mention of getting the residents' input?!? Perhaps he can comment on if he plans to do so. Many of us would certainly hope (and even expect) at this point that our opinions would be considered, even if only through the Hatboro Residents' Association. After all, we only live here! In other towns that have 'community associations,' residents, businesses, and governent all work together for the good of the community.
Bill Tompkins
7:45 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
BP
I think maybe the sentence is unclear. The process for updating the comprehensive plan is not discussed here but certainly includes input from everyone concerned.
Using that and coordinating with the various business organizations (and residents as well) is how I think it is best get and keep a good mix of businesses in the borough.
Suzy Q
8:17 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I'd like to see the preservation of the historic buildings in Hatboro. So the Wawa at York and Horsham Roads would be out. I recently drove into Hatboro with my daughter and envisioned what it would look like with a Wawa there, and it isn't pretty.....I like our quaintness and charm. I think more antique shops would be a nice addition to "Main Street". Maybe a privately owned coffee shop (not a Starbucks) would be nice. A store similar to Santarian's would be nice where CVS was.
Toni Kistner
8:33 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Natural Health food store with organic foods, Homeopathies and herbs....enough pharmacies....give us easier access to the stuff that works. Bring on some healthy options with a place like Bryn & Danes in Horsham....I'd go there every day for Smoothies on my lunch hour...
EE
3:05 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Some legit ideas.What happened to the rumor of Trader Joe's?I heard our town did not fit their demographic.I am only one person but i drive to Trader Joe's once a week in Jenkintown an im sure i am not the only one.Our town seems to have alot of young families that i am sure would use a store like this.When is the last time updates were done on our demographic.If people come to town for a store like this i am sure they will stop at other stores in town.Wawa has made it known that almost all of their buisness would be from traffic that already passes by.Nobody from the surrounding areas are going to get in their car an say lets go to the Hatboro Wawa.Wawa's are a dime a dozen an popping up everywhere.
Maureen
11:15 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Does anyone remember when Doylestown was run down? It wasn't that long ago. A national chain "The Gap" came into town even though there were many unoccupied store fronts. Once The Gap was up and running local business owners seemed to gain confidence and filled the vacancies in town. As a result, Doylestown is what it is today. Hatboro needs to seek out some type of chain account to fill some of the larger vacancies.
Suzy Q
11:52 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Although I'm not real gung-ho on chain stores, I must agree that a store like "The Gap" or "Fashion Bug" would be a great addition to our town.
Tori
11:19 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
My vision for Hatboro is better planning by officials. I think we have what it takes to turn around Main Street but we don’t have the right people to make that happen. The best example I can come up with is Fishtown. This area has been a working class area for pretty much all of its existence. Recently, the area has had a huge upswing due to the right type of planning. They now have a better quality of life for residents, increased home value and a more cultured atmosphere.
So for all the people saying it can’t be done in Hatboro, I have to respectfully disagree. It CAN be done it just takes smart planning and someone who cares and wants to make it change. I am so tired of seeing people comment like Hatboro is on the border of Warminster, Willow Grove, and etc. revitalization can’t be done. It can be done just take a look at an area like Fishtown – proper planning made their neighborhood revitalize and they border Kensington!
My only criticism of Mr. Barth is it seems like he just doesn’t care about “improving” Main Street. And honesty if I were him and going back to my $386,864 home in Doylestown I really wouldn’t care either just give me my check!
EE
2:52 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
We need to hold our town,an its officials to a higher standard.If we don't bring in stores that want to be held to a higher standard the town is gonna turn into a pit.There is a store on the corner next to Joe's Pizza,is there a need to have cheap bins all over the pavement.Do they not have pride in their store?Am i the only one bothered by this?I know of some other places where this takes place,Frankford Ave,Kensington Ave,5th st. Front St.They all have one thing in common they used to be close knit family oriented neighborhoods.Now they are shit holes.Is that what we want for the future of Hatboro?
Marie S
11:22 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I totally agree with Maureen and Toni !! I would love to open up an all natural childrens store but with places like "NY Hair CUTS" and "Roll your own" I am worried about the type of clientele myself and my employees would end up incurring. Reach out to Trader Joes, good is never given it happen because of hard work!!
Marie S
11:27 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I also offered to open a performing arts/community center. This way kids of the community would have an affordable and maybe free/productive way to spend their time. I was instantly met with "Well the bank building is full of asbestos, forget about it" We should use some of that government funding to build or restore something that solves concerns and will build our community ;-)
Sandy Zygmont
11:51 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I think it needs to be clarified that Mr. Barth is the Main Street Manager not a consultant for the Borough. He was hired by the Main Street Board not the Borough. The Main Street Program is a separate entity from the Borough and the Borough each year decides whether they can or want to support the program monetarily or otherwise. The Main Street Program was started several years ago by the State. The Elm Street Program is a take off of the Main Street Program which also was started by the state.
Theresa Katalinas
11:58 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Sandy,
Steve Barth is a consultant in the sense that his position is contracted. He is part-time, receives no benefits, but is paid by the borough - not Main Street.
Kathleen
5:14 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
It was told to me by Steve Barth that half is salary came from a local Hatboro business and the other half from the borough.
Dolores Forget
2:06 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
We need a "seed" store to bring folks into town. Clothing would be nice, an Old Navy or something where you can get something reasonably priced without having to go to the mall or shopping center.
Denise Avnet-Adamczyk
2:19 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Glad to hear that members of council are thinking about this, and that they agree that Hatboro is not going in quite the right direction. Sometimes residents feel that they are the only ones concerned about the quality of the downtown - so it's very encouraging to read this. In addition to Fishtown, look at Manayunk. I took a friend of mine there - she had spent her childhood in the Philly area but hadn't been back since - and she couldn't believe what it had become. She remembered Main Street Manayunk as a street lined with vacant, run-down properties. Hatboro isn't nearly at that point, so if that area could be turned around, so can ours!
Suzy Q
3:17 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Manayunk is a perfect example of a run-down town doing a complete turn-around. Luckily, as you state, Hatboro is not at that point. But if we keep getting "Roll your own" tobacco stores, tattoo parlors, "We Buy Gold" stores and the like, we will go downhill very fast.
J.R. sr
3:48 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Suzy Q, while I agree with the "roll your own". the "we buy gold" stores slowing down the turn around for Hatboro, I have to disagree with you about tattoo parlors, being a tattooed resident of Hatboro. While they do have a stigma associated with them, tattoo parlors are not the same filthy, disgusting violent places that they were in yesteryear. Inside, you rarely find a drunken sailor on leave, but you find young folks, many of them with families; there are very many 'professional businessmen (and women) who also wear bady art. Many of which, you would never even know. I do agree that flashing neon/electronic signs, and many other features of the window display of stores (at least on the main drag) are not the idea of small town feel, but an example of "tasteful tattoo parlor signage" would be the one located next door to Sylvio's Deli on Montgomery.
Maybe an ordinance of some type can be enacted to protect the look and feel of Main Street Hatboro's shops?
Denise Avnet-Adamczyk
2:27 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I've been thinking lately about how a Co-op market could be a good addition to the town. That is something that we don't have to wait for someone to come in and open - the residents can organize that themselves - look at Weaver's Way, for example, and the Creekside Co-op which is in the works in Elkins Park. I think something like that would appeal to many of our residents - more so than many of our current businesses - and since there are no other co-ops in the immediate area, it could draw from outside of Hatboro. And, I think it would be just as appealing as a Trader Joe's, which I know a lot of us were hoping for. I know I'd love to have a quality market within walking distance of my home! Big Marty's would have been a good site for something like that, but the CVS is a decent size as well.
Suzy Q
3:13 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
In response to EE.....I go to that store on the corner next to Joe's Pizza all the time, a great fill in since CVS left. But I do agree that it would be nice if they lose the bins....they are an eyesore.
Tori
3:29 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I also think graffiti should be addressed in Hatboro. Take for example Mr. Jim's antique shop. Such a cute store however there has been graffiti on the side of that building for over a year now. The graffiti happened right after they finished redoing the train station parking lot! What a shame just when you think you are going forward something like this happens and puts you two steps backward. I just wish Hatboro made more efforts to keep the town clean - just like the bins you guys are talking about.
Suzy Q
8:54 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
I would assume that the removal of graffiti on a building would be up to the owner, not Hatboro.
EE
4:19 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I go to many BC meetings an have also gone to the HRA meets.The one thing they both have in common is the majority of the people are the baby boomers of the 60's.That is a good thing but the future of our town are the younger couples in their 20's-40's.I f you want to have a good place for your children to grow up you need to make time an get involved.It doesn't take to much time to stop by a meeting an voice your oppinion but a neighborhood can change for the worst over night.Everyone is busy nowadays an many homes have both parents working but getting involved now can make things better for the future.I heard a rumor that under 20%of the residents of Hatboro voted last time.If that is the case thats a disgrace.Millions on men an women have died so we can have the freedom to vote.Weather you are for Wawa or agianst it,weather you back BC or you are agianst BC get involved.If someone has the right figures on how many poeple voted please post it.
Suzy Q
4:20 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
JR sr.....I stand corrected regarding tattoo parlors. The one by Silvio's is tasteful, and it IS a different clientele than in the past.
J.R. sr
5:54 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Now, the place at byberry and York...while I have never been inside, is a bit gaudy and flashy, kinda gives off a bit of a seedy vibe. It is not really something I would picture in a "small town" like ours....
John Locke
9:34 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
EE, you're not alone about Trader Joe's. My mom goes to JTown or 309 all the time too. I think the store itself was what Trader Joe's didn't like but the building was purchased by someone who remains anonymous.
John katelas
11:21 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Next 3 stores to open up butcher shop, a massage pallor , and another pizza shop , really,! that's what hatboro needs
Kathleen
5:22 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
It was brought to my attention this week that the Butcher shop is being opened by the people who own the Dollar type store that the bins are outside of.
J.R. sr
5:34 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
Actually, I think that a butcher shop would be nice. It would make for a nice alternative from the chain grocers. I know that Altamonte's is right up the road in Warminster, but were talking the revitalization of Hatboro, right?
Denise Avnet-Adamczyk
10:22 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
I agree, I've been wishing we had a a good, old-fashioned butcher shop. If it were reasonably-priced, I think it would do a good business. And, a fish market - the only decent one I know of in the area is Heller's - and that's too far of a drive just for seafood (except on Christmas Eve, of course!). I think if we got some good food-oriented shops, they'd probably do well - just look at Produce Junction.
April Fox Regan
2:25 am on Saturday, February 25, 2012
JR - about your signage comment above, I think once such "ordinance" would be an historical overlay ordinance over the whole downtown, which I hear has been proposed many times over the years, but past Borough Councils declined to pass it. I think the Millbrook Society could fill you in on that.
Suzy Q
9:06 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
My boyfriend and I took a ride up and down our "Main Street" last night, and assessed our town. While the bins around the front of the store (that's on the corner next to Joe's Pizza) isn't the prettiest site around town, it does make you know that they are open and ready to do business. Same with Impact Thrift, and the new record/antiques store accross from LeRoys. All in all, our little town is quite quaint and cute, and I'm proud to live in Hatboro.
Terri
11:24 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
I would love a butcher shop and seafood place as well. I would also love a micro brew to watch a sports game. I have said it before a place like K.C.'s Alley in Ambler. It is smoke free, and has great food and a nice atmosphere. My husband and I like to have a sandwich and a beer but there is no where decent to go in Hatboro?
Suzy Q
12:09 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Terri.....I'm with you 100%!!
Denise Avnet-Adamczyk
1:26 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
My husband was just saying how nice it would be to have something like an Iron Hill Brewery in Hatboro, so same sort of thing you are talking about. Seriously, there is not one decent pub/bar in the downtown. I would not even THINK about setting foot into Towey's (or whatever it's called).
AM
11:47 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
We are in the process of seeking a location for a café style coffee house we plan to open in 2012. We will be working with local farmers to offer our customers comfort style food where we can say every product is traceable, up-holds ethical practices and what is currently growing "in season."
We want to be in a community where small businesses support each other and offer an environment for our customers to enjoy, relax and even hope to have some local entertainment on particular nights.
Hatboro is one community we are considering so this article is extremely helpful.
Please keep your comments coming.
This is great market research for us.
Mike Shortall
1:57 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Absolutely, a coffee house with comfortable seating, as opposed to a breakfast place with tables and chairs only, would be a great addition to Hatboro. I detest Starbuck-type operations, but use them when I "have to". A nice place to enjoy a cup o' joe without the noise and distraction of a restaurant would be great.
Horsham had one called BrewHaHa (I think) on Norristown Road a few years ago. But I think the Starbucks across the street killed them.
Denise Avnet-Adamczyk
1:28 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
AM, that sounds EXACTLY like the type of business we residents would like to see come to Hatboro! I hope you choose us :)
April Fox Regan
2:40 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
AM -- this sounds wonderful! I would love to be your customer. Our new residents' association is working on a way to gather member input on specific types of goods and services they want in our town so we can let potential new businesses like yours know exactly the kind of resident stats and interest they can expect. I would be happy to connect you with the member in charge of this new project. You can email us at HRA19040@gmail.com or post something on Hatboro Life on Facebook. Our new organization is also working with Main Street Hatboro -- you should contact them to help you find the right location for your wonderful business plan. I can tell you a coffee house and healthy food alternatives are common issues that many of my friends and neighbors have talked about at HRA meetings!
Charles McElroy Jr
2:28 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
How about the HRA get a petition started to present to AM extolling how many residents would want and support AM's business in the Boro.
John katelas
2:53 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
The butcher shop is opening at the old hatboro vacuum store , and the a massage palor is opening across he st, and the old Quiqs location is from what i heard thru the grape fine another pizza shop
Denise Avnet-Adamczyk
3:03 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
OMG, John - you were serious about those shops? I thought you were being sarcastic! I am THRILLED to hear about the butcher shop! I hope it's a good one. And hopefully the massage parlor is not seedy. I really can't see why we would need another pizza shop - my husband and I are always wondering if there is really that high of a demand for pizza in the area - there are soooo many in Hatboro and the surrounding vicinity!
Terri
3:21 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Yes I was thinking he was joking too. I am thinking the massage parlor isn't going to be seedy. Most going up these are holistic and could be a nice place to unwind. Huntingdon Valley has a few places to go for a massage and they are very respectable places.
Gina Fix
4:19 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
I wound love to see a butcher or an artisan baker (breads/rolls - not to take away from Lochels.)
Kathleen
5:28 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thank you for mentioning this! Lochel's is not a bakery that specializes in bread and rolls, we are a "sweets" cakes! I did have a conversation with Steve Barth via phone and he asked how we would feel about another bakery in town. Another bakery like our bakery would be devastating to us, almost all of our employees are Hatboro residence and we try to do whatever possible for the community that we can. I think that Hatboro needs to bring in business' other then business' we presently have, Artisian Baker we would love as we love bread ourselves! I don't think that Hatboro needs antoher Pizza Place as we have a great selection of them, all good and we at the bakery go to them all. We love Hatboro, love our customers and want to support the our beautiful town~ we would all support the local business'! Thank you again Gina for mentioning this, it means alot to us!
Tori
4:26 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Gina I am with you 100% - my head would explode if they not only had breads and rolls but cheese too - like Dibruno Brothers!
Sean F.
5:18 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Thank you for posting this article. I have had the same feelings for the past two years and simply aren't sure how to get involved. My family and I have been residents of Hatboro (Borough) for almost a decade and have like others postings before me, have seen its decline. Its easy to blame the economy, the bureaucrats in the town hall or the entrepreneurs taking a risk to open a new business in uncertain times. In order for Hatboro to become the town that (it seems) the majority would like it to be — it does require more civic involvement, a bit of pride and most importantly — a plan. We all know what Hatboro used to be, and it has like any other town, had its ups-and-downs. From reading the above, it sounds like there are too many organizations working in silos without a central PLAN.
I propose this:
1. Have a town hall, and implore as many residents to come to discuss in an open forum the 5 and 10 year plans for the borough.
2. Through the plan, the town should set guidelines for the 'facade' of Main Street. If a business wants to set-up shop and be the 6th nail salon in a 1 mile stretch – fine, let them. As a poster above stated, they will fail. But that is the risk they assume when starting a business without realizing its feasibility.
Continued in the next post…
Sean F.
5:29 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Alas, get rid of the garish neon lit signs, vinyl lettering plastered on every square inch of glass, etc. and help businesses succeed from the start. In doing so, the town will prosper and people will come to spend money. I am the last person to advocate government dictating what businesses should do, but I do advocate government working with businesses to fulfill a common vision.
3. Utilize the artists in the community to help paint murals, tile work on the sidewalks — MAKE HATBORO ALIVE AND UNIQUE.
4. Start a co-op 'farm' on town land. Produce Junction is great, but its not unique to Hatboro.
5. Graphic Designers and Programmers volunteer pro bono time to reinvent Hatboro's branding, web and social media presence. Create a vision for people both in and outside the community to be proud of.
6. Bring back some semblance of First Fridays. I am fairly certain that it was working well. I doubt a few hoodlums were the reason as I read for discontinuing it.
I could go on and have many other ideas. If someone from one of the boards or borough government has information on how I can get involved, let me know.
— A proud resident of Hatboro, PA, USA
April Fox Regan
2:14 am on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sean -- Main Street Hatboro, headed by Steve Barth, has been working on some of the issues you mentioned above. MSH is a business and redevelopment organization, founded in 2000 and funded in part by the state. It already has a working relationship with borough government. MSH does not have an official membership for residents, however, which is why the HRA is trying to start up. Elm Street is the resident arm of that same revitalization project, but their members are limited to one section of Hatboro. The new residents' assoc wants to work with MSH, Elm Street, the COC, and the Borough to provide a productive vehicle for resident in-put and involvement. This has never been done in Hatboro before across the entire resident community. We would welcome your energy and ideas, and are looking for leaders. See my post above for info on the new Hatboro Residents' Assoc, who will be making a presentation to Borough Council at this Monday's meeting. The co-op farm idea is a popular one with my friends, BTW. I would love one, too.
Bonnie
8:19 am on Saturday, February 25, 2012
I see many great ideas here ...the co-op farm would be wonderful, since many know what they are doing to meat and other foods and drive (would love a) to Trader Joes/Whole Foods or a quality butcher shop would be great....Natural Health food shop like Bunn's on Street Rd. This town has so much charm and historic value that it would be sad to see just any old thing thrown into it. And another WaWa is not what we need the one we have is perfect. I wouldn't be surprised that if it did happen they would want to close the one we have now so everyone would run there and get the gas also. We have many place to get gas and Giant has theirs now ...we don't need more. We need to save the historic buildings for future generations. Isn't there to be a petition sent around to sign about the Wawa?
April Fox Regan
5:20 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Bonnie, The newly formed Hatboro Resident's Association has been circulating a petition regarding the Wawa proposal for the past few weeks. We have about 700 signatures on it so far and have been going door to door throughout the town. Sorry we missed you. You can access one directly from Hatboro Life Page on Facebook, contact our organization by emailing HRA19040@gmail.com, or stop by the Wawa meeting on the 28th at Pennypack School, where copies will be available.
John Shepherd
11:03 am on Saturday, February 25, 2012
How much are you willing to pay for this? The Borough recently refused to pay police overtime for First Friday.
Attracting good new businesses requires something more than the allegation that 'we have a nice little town'. The Borough - and its citizens - need to look at its tax policy. Talk to existing merchants and find out what looks dumb to them. Consider using tax policy as a way to attract good businesses. Don't make the assumption (see graffiti comment above) that businesses should bear the entire burden of maintaining the Borough.
Consider the condition of off-street parking, most parking lots in the Borough are poorly surfaced and maintained. What is their value now in attracting new business?
As the old saying goes, there's no such thing as a free lunch - or downtown revitalization.
borobuzz
12:53 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
I think all you beatniks need to take off the rose-colored glasses and take a walk around town. Go to our parks and check out what’s laying on the ground, drug bags, blunt containers and beer bottles. Then skip on down york road and check out the creatures waiting for the bus. After that you’ll need a drink, so why not hit strokers for nice cocktail. You’ll never change the town until you change the people. The types of businesses we have reflect the type of people we have.
Tea Kay
2:17 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Hey borobuzz - why do you like to drag everybody down when there is upbeat commentary going on here? Every town has their problem areas, that's what police are for, the rest of us are busy doing what we can to keep our neighborhoods nice and raise our kids right. What are you doing for our town, aside from criticizing people who are getting into creating great ideas for the future?
borobuzz
12:53 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
I knew that my previous post would not be welcomed because it requires us to look at ourselves. To say that the vacant stores are strictly a result of a down economy is also false. It’s more of a socioeconomic issue with the demographic supporting the type of business. For example, you won’t find a Saks Fifth Avenue in Kensington or a check cashing business in Beverly Hills (and no I’m not comparing Hatboro to either one). It’s about demographic sustainability and is a very complex issue.
Tea, you’re a prime example of what needs to change. An “upbeat commentary” changes absolutely nothing. Don’t get me wrong, if hugging a tree makes you feel good, do it. The fact remains real change takes real work. Instead of criticizing anyone that disagrees with your position maybe you can take some of your energy and volunteer in the community. We have several established organizations that do a great job. Or if that’s not your style maybe go it alone and pick up some of the litter around the Old Mill Inn or run for council. But stop trying to paint a picture that is not true, it makes you look silly.
borobuzz
12:53 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Tea, please take your own advice. How can anyone confuse whining with pride? My comments are intended to draw attention to an ongoing problem. If we don’t take responsibility of picking up trash and cleaning up around our shops who will? Why would any perspective business owner consider Hatboro when there are a malt liquor bottles on the sidewalk and graffiti on the wall? And no, this not a police problem, it’s a community problem. As far as me trying to “cut short the new growth”; I’m not the one trying to stop Wawa! I suggest you go back to the commune you came from. Bringing back Hatboro to its past grandeur involves everyone taking pride and responsibility not reinventing existing organizations that will fade away when the Wawa issue is resolved.
police need a new station
2:37 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Hey Tea Kay, I'm glad you mentioned the police. The boro police needed a new police station 15 years ago. Let's fix that real problem before we spend one dollar trying to lure a store that sells the type of cheese you like.
April Fox Regan
5:28 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Mr. Buzz -- The average income of Hatboro residents is above the state average -- about $66,000.00, which is even above Ambler's. Our median age is 38. It used to be older a decade ago. We have about 60% with some college education, and about 30% with a bachelor's degree or higher. These stats came from the US Census Bureau.
borobuzz
5:47 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
April, twisting the stats a tad, are we?
60% some college, equals 60% with no college degree. Yes, we have a blue collar town, nothing wrong with that.
“The average income of Hatboro residents is above the state average -- about $66,000.00” But that is the HOUSHOLD” income not the individual income, big difference. And please the state average income. Our state has towns that look like they could be in the back woods of Kentucky (nothing against the Blue grass state)!
Main Street info
5:46 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Terri, you're so right there is no decent place in Hatboro to have a sandwich & a beer or light meal... without running into troublemakers, drunks, druggies or drones to beat you up or ruin your night. KC's is nice. We need better in Hatboro than what we have to relax & unwind. Kathleen, Steve Barth's salary is paid for both by the Boro or Main Street and the business supplementing his salary is Hatboro Federal
and his salary is more than the reported $ 37,500.00
Kathleen
5:51 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
I did know it was Hatboro Federal however I did not know if that was public information or not. Thanks! So does anyone know the actual salary?
Tea Kay
6:32 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Seriously? Steve Barth only came on board a year ago...blaming him for your problems is just sad.
Kathleen
6:38 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tea Kay, I am not blaming Steve Barth for any problem(s) and don't know where this came from. Anyone or anything to help our town is welcomed.
Tea Kay
6:48 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sorry Kathleen, I was mainly addressing the 'main street info' poster, who brought up Mr. Barth's salary once again, as is becoming predictable in these posts.
April Fox Regan
6:09 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Pa average about 50K. Not trying to twist anything. My 3rd generation Hatboro family is blue collar too.
Al Kaholik
12:53 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
All you people (both sides of the coin) keep bringing up census stats., etc. The stats you keep fighting about are completely flawed and I think anyone with an ounce of common sense realizes it. First off, according to the same sites/stats, Hatboro has seen a population DECREASE of 3.2% between 2000 and 2009. Really? Yet the town has seen an increase in housing by several hundred units (a couple single family homes, Moreland Crossing, Victorian Village, Hatboro Lofts, and Cobblestone Court). These stats are off because of a demographic shift in this town. For example, I would venture to say the household median income cited above is reflective of our homeowners....the folks who respond to the census and surveys. I doubt it is accurate or even remotely reflective of our apartment dwellers, a large portion of our population. A lot of these folks don't respond to surveys or the census (or report income accurately on tax records) or our population would not have dropped 3.2% during the last 10 years while housing units have significantly increased. We have a quickly increasing Hispanic population, and yes, we have numerous apartment complexes now housing section 8. These stats are inaccurate garbage, or I would not be doing maintenance work in 2 bedroom apartments that have four mattresses in each bedroom and another four in the living room. Or the apartments that have just mom, three ADULT kids hooked on heroin, and nobody working.
Tea Kay
8:01 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
This just keeps getting better. The As Mr Alcoholic - oops, Al Kaholic - points out, the US Census is worthless - but for Hatboro only. Who are these posters who have such a venomous hatred of Hatboro? We don't know because they can't use their real names. They could be anybody, including someone sitting in a mental institution in Norristown, typing away and watching reactions fly for entertainment. According to these impostors, Hatboro is the only town with these problems (which I would venture to say is about about 5% of the population?) I am sure that Willow Grove, Warminster, Horsham, Abington, Jenkintown and other small communities don't have anything like this going on - right?? Get a life, other than making every effort to ruin a small town's image in an online forum. People like YOU are the biggest problem that holds the rest of us back from progress.
Al Kaholik
12:52 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Half of what people are crying about have already come and gone. Coffee shop? Where were you when we had them in the past? Last one at York and Byberry not too long ago..Daily Grind..remember them? Why didn't they make it? Why did the Old Mill Inn go out of business (prior to flooding) yet the pizza shops are making it? Health/Organic foods..what happen to McCourt's Farm to Table? All gone..for a reason. You got regular whiners bad mouthing Cash 4 Gold and Roll Your Own and the tattoo shop at York and Byberry because he doesn't like their signs, but openly supporting and complementing another tattoo shop because he has tattoos and likes their signs. Most of the posters on this site lately are using it as a bully-pulpit in an attempt to force their belief system on others. Or they're smoking something. I can't believe the audacity of people who think they have the right to bad mouth a store like Aarons because it will attract lower income types (previous poster's words) or others who think a store specializing in health foods and herbal remedies is the order of the day. Get a clue! None of you people have the right to dictate what type of business is welcome in our town or what type of people move here. Uncle Sam's green dollar and what people in this town are willing to spend it on will dictate that. Most of you are a day late and a dollar short. Newsletter...great idea...wow! Yup, had one of them before too. Why weren't you reading it then?
borobuzz
12:51 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Right on Al!! How come when we call it like we see it the huggers get mad? But their not mad at themselves for NOT supporting past (failed) businesses, that they now claim they want? The truth is there just a rag-tag bunch that likes to b!tch but refuses to roll up their sleeves and clean up their front yard!
J.R. sr
8:50 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Al, so wha tyu are saying, is, instead of planning for a bright future, and coming up with ideas as to what some residents would 'like' to see their town turn into! We should just sit back and let it turn into a suburban version of Juniata, north Philly, or any of the crime ridden, section 8 infested sections of the city? You may be right with regards to your census stats, that's the 3.2% drop it due to the fact that there are many undesirables living in the area; and with those undesirables, comes businesses associated with the towns they left behind. We are just trying to let the borough know, that the rest of us are willing to spend our money in town, but, we have no need to spend our money in stores as such that are opening up in town.
Furthermore, I really think you should get your facts straight before commenting on some of the above posts. I NEVER openly supported the tattoo shop itself, I merely mentioned that it was tastefully decorated, and wasn't at all garish
Ike the one at York and Byberry. My comment was just to pint out that it would fit better on, say, Daytona beach, ot in a small town where the pace is a little bit slower. I ALSO stated, in another post, that I have never actually been IN that shop (either shop, actually), so I could not comment on that shop's personnel or cleanliness.
Tea Kay
9:12 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Keep typing Al and borobuzz - your simplistic assumptions are amusing. Anyone who wants to talk about what kinds of businesses they want or don't want are automatically "dictating" or "smoking something" or have never supported a certain store, or have never read the newsletter??? Wow. Bring it on, the more you argue and profile anyone who disagrees with your miserable outlook, and resort to name-calling, the more you discredit yourselves and everything that you say.
Mary Cummings
9:24 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Al, what would YOU spend your hard earned dollars on in Hatboro? Or do you even shop there?
Anonymous76
9:16 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
"Maureen" rightly commented (way above) that Doylestown was a bit run-down at one point. I recall the fundraising to refurbish the County Theater. Newtown also restored its in-borough movie theater. Ambler has both. Glenside has the Keswick. Lansdale is revitalizing its performing arts center, I think. I think if Hatboro wants to attract visitors who will spend money, especially outside of bank hours, it needs some venue that will draw people. And since there is a growing number of aging empty nesters out there, it seems a playhouse or the like would be good. I still wonder why the Hatboro Players are located well off Main somewhere (I don't even know where, but understand it's on the east side which is too far to make it 'easy' for much of Horsham Township). Finally, does the borough really need its own police station? Seems there is an opportunity to merge forces with Horsham Township's - I'm sure I'm setting off another round of arguments by even raising that question!
borobuzz
1:56 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
I’d say yes to keeping our own police force. It was discussed several years ago and a overwhelming amount of residents opposed any type of merger. I look at it this way, for less then $4.00 a day I can get 24/7 police, fire and ambulance service. Whenever I call the borough office I get a real person that answers the phone, not a press 1 for this person recording. Every morning when I walk my dog I can see the highway department crews picking up the trash. My kids are older but we use to go to the library also. For a little extra money a family can join the pool or little league. Not a bad deal if you think about it.
Denise
10:53 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
http://www.keepislipclean.org/about.html A certified affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., with hundreds of dedicated volunteers, work all year round picking up roadside litter, planting flowers, painting over graffiti, cleaning our wetlands and improving the quality of life. This is just one example of what a community CAN DO! Let's all take a CAN DO attitude & adopt this into our community & we will make a difference. I am all for joining an organization that has a positive overview.
borobuzz
12:50 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Thank you Denise and Charles! Contrary to what T.K. is spewing this is exactly what Hatboro needs. My, get back to the basics, approach is a common sense plan to a common vision. Now be prepared to get ridiculed!
Charles McElroy Jr
11:01 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Butcher shop - Boro had one, located where El Morena Resturaunt is on E. Moreland
Coffee House - Boro had two, one Days Eze located where El Morena is
Daily Grind, York and Byberry
Farm to Table- McCourts where ON the Roll use to be next to Ming's
Where are they now? Not supported and gone? Will this town really support new versions of them?
Kathleen
1:11 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
There was also The Coffee Salon Coffee Shop that was near Lewis' Paints too.
Charles McElroy Jr
2:23 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Kathleen,
I knew there was that one, but I thought Days Eze relocated and/or name change.
Mary Cummings
8:59 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
I think what has been missing the last decade is an anchor store. A big name store or a small specialty grocery that will bring people into town. Then they can shop the smaller stores. The HRA is working on a shop local initiative to remind people to support the shops in town. Everybody can help right now. Go to Village Hardware and get your light bulbs there. Go to Leroy's for flowers. Go to Queen of Sheba for candy for your holidays. Get donuts at Lochels instead of DD (they're 200000x better anyway). I think people are going to start realizing what a gem they havein Hatboro and start taking care of it......
April Fox Regan
9:34 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Charles -- I was a customer at the Daily Grind and loved McCourts -- farm to table was a good idea, but the wrong approach I think. (A little too expensive.) I spoke with the owners when they were getting ready to close as I had referred a lot of friends there. They were good guys without enough capital in reserve to sustain their new restaurant through the lean times at the start. I was sad to see them go. Maybe something similar, but more casual and a little less pricey would do better.
Charles McElroy Jr
2:35 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
What would be nice is a venue like the Reading Terminal Market, various vendors, reasonably priced, one stop shopping with a mini food court.
Mary Cummings
8:34 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Well, I was just saying today how nice it was that people were finally being civil on Patch. The first few dozen comments had nice ideas, civil debate and interesting comments. And then our anonymous friends Al and Boro Buzz joined the lot. Hey guys, you have a lot of brutal comments, but no alternative plan. There's a lot of good, hard working people who want to see Hatboro improved. Why don't you give it a rest for a while and let these people have a crack at making their hometown a nicer place? They realize, (and I think you might do well to learn the same) that we need to stop whining and start working. It's a better use of our time.
BP
9:53 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
I agree with you Mary. I'm not sure what exactly has Al and BB all riled up..but BB writes 'bringing back Hatboro to its past grandeur involves everyone taking pride and responsibility not reinventing existing organizations that will fade away when the Wawa issue is resolved.' So I guess he's angry that residents want to have a voice in what happens in their town-because he can only be referring to the residents' association...? The nerve of those meddling residents (and please, BB-explain what "existing organizations" have been reinvented, since most of us have never heard of any)! Also, 'individual pride and responsibilty' and being a member of a residents' organization are not mutually exclusive. BTW-many other towns have organizations that include their residents, so I'm not sure why this idea is so threatening to some people.
borobuzz
12:51 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
BP and Mary. I can’t help but picture you both living with 36 cats in a house that has urine soaked newspapers stacked floor to ceiling. In fact, I think you could be cable TV stars. Nonetheless, your wit and sarcasm is a welcome change from your usual utopian pipe dream. My message is simple, clean up and take responsibility. I bet that will bring a lot of the change you want. Nobody wants to dump a small fortune into a business in a town that looks crappy. Furthermore, if your so hell bent on bringing change run for borough council. Ask all the current members to sign your petition, if they refuse vote them out. If your HRA is for real it can shape an election in a small town.
Eve
10:01 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Support the businesses that you want to stay. Don't support the ones you want to go. Feel free to open a business you would like to see in Hatboro. Shouldn't it be as simple as that?
Jason G
8:05 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
A small business owners guild to fixing Hatboro. Here are my suggestions, criticizes all you want, but I think they will help with revitalizing main street.
1) Marketing: A monthly or quarterly full color magazine, paid for by the town and advertiser’s promoting or spotlighting every business within a few block radius of main street should go to every boro resident. Get real personal, introduce owners by name, promote sales, and shopping weekends.
2) 5 year tax holiday: you want to start a business on main street to fill a store, cut that persons boro tax for 5 years to 0.
3) Streamline starting a business: what happened to McCourt’s from what I read was horrendous, while it’s the business owner’s responsibility to investigate, they should have never been allowed open until the boro provided all regulation needed to start. To let a restaurant to open and all of a sudden tell them they needed a 20K fire suppression system was criminal.
4) Hacksaw OFF THE METERS: any c- economist student will tell you meters hurt the businesses behind them far more than the money that they bring in.
5) Dedicated advisors: some of the local business owners, tax accountants, lawyers, marketing professionals should be put on a volunteer board to spend a little time helping any small business or startup with simple questions
Jason G
8:05 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
6) Clean up the town: The flowers are a great start, but hire some street cleaners to care for the sidewalk/ street.
7) Promote to major brands: I don’t care if you hate starbucks, people love them and it will bring people to town. Get Old Navy on the phone, the Gap, a Trader Joes. A national brand will really be a great anchor for Hatboro. It gives other small business owners confidence that the town will be all right.
Jason G
8:08 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
oh yea, get the cops out of the cars and have them walk the beat, meet the business owners and show a presence. While main street is a very safe area and I am not saying it isnt, people like seeing police walking around.
Chris Gowen
3:28 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
Jason,
these are very good suggestions.....many of them I proposed to the Chamber, but it landed on deaf ears.
Glenside has a great "local" magazine-ette that has coupons, local trivia and even a contest for people to win prizes. It has a map on the back showing the locations of all of the participating stores. Excellent marketing tool for the locals (it was left at restaurants, coffee shops, and other high-traffic common areas.
Street cleaning is a good idea as well....but shop owners should be held responsible for this as well......we should take pride of the front of our stores! (I sweep out my front every week and clean-up McDonalds trash daily)
I also suggested having member-driven consultations and even information seminars on opening and sustaining a retail business in Hatboro....
good suggestions!
Ryan
4:19 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
I also agree they need to clean up Main Street. The flowers are great how about planting perennials around each tree along Main Street. The signage on a lot (not all) of the stores is unattractive. Wooden signs would not only look better but would make Main Street look more uniform. The parking lots are less desirable - especially the one by Produce Junction.
Suzy Q
4:50 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
On a side note regarding planting flowers around each tree along Main Street.....I absolutely agree, they make a huge difference for the better. But ya know what I noticed around each tree right now? Cigarette butts......large amounts of cigarette butts at the base of each tree. It's ashame that some people just don't give a hoot......just saying.
Michael Holmes
6:57 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
maybe a family friendly movie theater, like the hiway in jenkintown or the ambler theater, or a family rec. center, like the brunswick zone in feasterville, or the rec. center in southampton. granted, these places tend to attract kids without the parents, but if the police or a town watch group were present, that might ward off some trouble.
Michael Holmes
6:59 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
also, i don't know about the other hatboro churches and their building's room, but lehman church has a large gym type space. maybe if they would open to families for games, etc. periodically, that would give families something to do and someplace to go to.
R. Johnson
9:37 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
BB you are so right, nice point too. You can't beat the great services Hatboro provides for the town's residents & business'..police, fire ,Ems, public works & real people to talk to at Boro Hall. Jason, no tax breaks needed for new business' I'd call the max $700.00 a year business tax, a holiday already. More than enough to make them come.
Denise
9:11 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Coming away from tonite's meeting about putting a Wawa in this town & I can only hope that everyone stays this passionate about their vision for Hatboro going into the future. Get involved & make a difference!
Eileen
10:51 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
My vison for Hatboro (since you asked!) is a gazebo in the meadow, Trader Joe's, a Gap, H&M or Old Navy would be great and I don't mind Starbucks plus some of the antique stores, consignment shops etc. Dont mind the Tatoo store, dont mind any store that keeps the sidewalk clean and behaves like a good neighbor would. On that note here is the link to contact Trader Joes, tell them to check us out! http://www.traderjoes.com/about/general-feedback-form.asp
Toni Kistner
10:51 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
It was something to see so many people who care so much about this town....standing room only!
Fester Bestertester
5:12 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Thank God for Gamburgs, La Fontana, and Hatboro Federal. They are good anchors that keep very nice looking properties. But..... lets get real, the socio-economics of Hatboro has changed while we were busy working and raising our families, maybe we were too comfortable living in Small Town USA to notice. If we get the money we can fix up the Old Mill Inn, and what does that do for us? We will pass by and say "Wow, it looks great!", then have another flood damage it again. We have to move on people. Maybe Wawa would be a good start. Most of the traffic/congestion in and out of Wawa will be the same traffic/congestion that is already on York Rd. and Horsham Rd. Do you think someones going to jump in their car to go to Wawa during rush hour? I don't think so. And yes, it WILL bring more traffic during the non rush hour and weekends. Do you think its not congested around Produce Junction? Changing the zoning to restrict the types of business that can operate in the Boro is pretty stupid when we are having trouble attracting tenants in the first place. As the people of Hatboro modernize their thinking, the town will rebuild, become more attractive and competition for retail space will increase the rents per square ft. Then the types of businesses some of you disapprove of will leave and be replaced by other businesses. Do you think anyone will complain about that? Change comes with a price. We MUST change or more properties will become eyesores like CVS and The Old Mill.
Ryan
1:18 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I don't think anyone on here has any idea what they are talking about. I understand everyone wants antique stores and such, but those businesses are failing as is and adding more isn't going to fix that. Changing the rules of what kind of business you can have in Hatboro will be the death of Hatboro. We already have way too many empty properties lining Main Street...
Carol Inman
3:45 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Ryan: That's why dialogue is so important. The people who posted here have a wealth of good ideas about what makes an attractive town to live and work in. What we need is for Main St., the Chamber of Commerce, Council, and the HRA to work together and come to a common understanding and agreement about what to do with Hatboro's assets and its challenges.
J. Luig
10:18 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
The flooding of the Pennypack needs to be remedied before businesses will come. Look what happened to Quig's.