Come on, everyone. The last thing we need across the street from the SugarHouse Casino is a so-called "Jewelry Store". Yeah, right. That is what Philadelphians and Fishtown residents want and need at East Allen Street across the street from the casino. With the unemployment rate in Philly hovering too close to the double digits, I am pretty sure people are not thinking about buying jewels. The price of precious metals such as gold are at at their highest valuations! That is why I was kind of sickened by L&I spokeswoman Maura Kennedy's comment "We cannot pre-judge in anyway the operation of this business," as quoted in PlanPhilly. It sickened me because I know she is right conceptually, that we have to give people a chance to make their business work. But my "judge not lest ye be judged" belief sinks like a coin in a slot machine knowing that this type of shop is catering to people when they are at their weakest. I call that evil. My husband Chris sarcastically calls it "capitalism". He is right but I don't have to like how capitalism is being used.
There are rules that the shop must follow. Apparently, 25% of the jewelry shop (I use this title loosely) is allowed to be devoted to the PURCHASE of metal and jewels. The remainder of the store has to be for the SALE of Jewelry. Could we make the loophole any easier? Just slap up a bunch of jewelry cases and you are quite literally "good as gold". And don't let the for sale sign on the newly renovated building throw you off. They are only an inspection away from opening. The solution is complicated. We need looser lending restrictions for businesses. We need greater development along the waterfront and around the casino site to perpetuate a more competitive and desirable terrain for business, residents and consumers. We need private investors (like Bart Blatstein), with money, business savvy, vision and a fire in their belly. We need time.
Thankfully, with plans to develop the waterfront in the making and signs of life as the luxury apartments are being developed at the former eyesore of a site at Liberties Self Storage, there is a tangible spark of hope in that territory. At least that is what I believe and that is the message I am going to spread.
What do you think?
Related:
Discover the Philadelphia Waterfront
The Future Looks Bright for the Festival Pier
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