South Philly Review

We received several letters about the proposed bistro at 10th and Tasker streets. The following are representative of the group.

To the Editor:

I was disappointed to see such a slanted article ["Tapas, not fracas," Nov. 11] in the Review. The proposed bar at 10th and Tasker streets is being opposed for very specific and valid reasons.

1. The proximity of the bar to residents is too close. (In the past, such as when the bar owner and family would live above the bar, this could work.)

2. The owners have stated all along that it is going to be a bar, not a restaurant. If you have ever been inside this place you would know that the place is mostly taken up with the bar, and there is only a very tiny space for tables.

3. The owners knowingly have applied for an extended-hours food permit, for an amusement permit and for a permit to be open on Sundays. (The owner is, by the way, confusing an amusement permit that you get from the Liquor Control Board with a nightclub license that you get from the city. A nightclub license is what is required to have amplified sound.) [Co-owner Francis] Hogan claims that he did not apply for an extended-hours food permit. However, it is a separate form with a separate fee. It is not "standard procedure" to apply for such a permit. If they do not want this permit, why have they not withdrawn the application for it?

4. The owners are not demonstrating that they can be responsible enough to own a bar. A bar is a complicated establishment to properly manage. If they can't keep track of their lawyer, how can we expect them to manage their employees, maintain order in the bar and run a responsible business?

5. The LCB is very aware that some spots are "problem spots." This has nothing to do with a specific owner. It turns out that certain places can't function as bars in their location. This is the case with 10th and Tasker.

The characterization of the residents as "foaming at the mouth" or "snarling" is completely inaccurate and not an appropriate way to describe a group of concerned neighbors that are following a procedure that the LCB encourages all citizens to follow.

Our neighborhood is filled with progressive, interesting, welcoming and warm people that want to maintain a good quality of life. This neighborhood welcomes neighborhood businesses. This location is simply not the right place for that kind of business.

--Geoff DiMasi,
Vice President,
Passyunk Square Civic Association

To the Editor:

The "Tapas, not fracas" article stated that Francis Hogan and Claude d'Hermillon hope to open a bistro at 1601 S. 10th St. The truth of the matter is that this business will be operating as a bar.

When the neighbors met with Claude and Francis, we were told that they would have food as per their business plan but will be serving $2 beers and finger food. This neighborhood is 80- to 90-percent residential and not a prime location for a corner bar. I live within 30 feet of this location and I'm very well aware of the clientele that frequented the former establishment [the 10 Spot].

An upscale restaurant or a BYOB would be welcomed by the neighbors. Francis and Claude are not taking the neighbors or the neighborhood into consideration. By their own admission, they will open in spite of our concerns.

We have made several suggestions to both Francis and Claude, with the hopes that they would understand there is nothing personal in our decision to stop another bar from opening in our neighborhood.

--Domenic T. Chiavaroli,
South Philadelphia

For the record, the above letter writer refused to be interviewed for last week's story.