Urban Planning gone wrong

[m00n.livejournal.com]

While we are on the topic of community development, does anyone have an explanation for there now being a third convenience store in Teele Square within view of the other two?



Beyond the fact that I don't feel like these stores contribute much (if anything) to the community, I'm kind of wondering how it is that this neighborhood can even support three of them (four if you count the Indian market down the street that sells pretty much all the same stuff).

I don't mean to be such a community troll about these things, but I live in that neighborhood and it is starting to get a little depressing...

Comments

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Teele Square Convenience is also an Indian grocery and has a range of selection that can only be described as absurd. They fit a lot of stuff in there, and in an area with a much smaller footprint than Neighborhood.

Also, I'd rather have convenience stores than empty storefronts.

[duffless2323.livejournal.com]

I live in Teele too and I have to agree that a 3rd of these stores is overkill...why can't we get a coffee shop that is open for hanging out, wifi, reading etc.

Also the place next to PJ's is vacant again (Holland St Cafe in it's last incarnation)but they painted over the sign so I think something is going in. I keep wanting something to succeed, but it seems like whomever keeps going in there has little to no business sense.

[ron_newman]

What?! Didn't they just reopen a few weeks ago??

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Because we've got three of those less than a half a mile away, possibly?

[ron_newman]

Ice cream places? JP Licks, the Somerville Theatre's walk-up window, and what's the third?

Funny thing is, Teele Square was part of the original ice cream wars, back in the 1970s. Steve's Ice Cream was on Elm Street (where Green Tomato II is now) and Joey's Ice Cream was in Teele Sq (not sure exactly where). Then Joey bought out Steve, keeping Steve's name, while Steve went on to open Herrell's.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

No, coffee shops with Wi-Fi and comfy couches..

[m00n.livejournal.com]

Or how about a place that has coffee, beer, couches, and a fireplace all in the same establishment? Oooooo...

[ron_newman]

The Other Side Cafe, on Newbury St west of Mass Ave, has coffee, beer, and couches, but I can't remember if they have a fireplace.

[m00n.livejournal.com]

That place is *almost* exactly what I'm looking for in terms of amenities, but it lacks coziness/quiet (but maybe that was just the few times I've been there). Also it's in a neighborhood that I don't think of as being very home-like.

Oh and I don't think it has a fireplace. ;-)

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

The lounge at Sabur.

[m00n.livejournal.com]

They have a fireplace?

[ron_newman]

which would be Diesel, Starbucks, and ... True Grounds?

[geekpixie.livejournal.com]

Does Diesel do beer?

[ron_newman]

No beer at Diesel.

[geekpixie.livejournal.com]

My bad, the treading formatted oddly on my page, and since no one does subjects I thought you were responding to m00n's request for alcohol, caffeine and fire. :)

[m00n.livejournal.com]

And lets not forget couches!

To my knowledge these things are not available at any one establishment anywhere in the city.

[geekpixie.livejournal.com]

Yet :) sounds like an opportunity to me!

[syntheticnature.livejournal.com]

>Ice cream places? JP Licks, the Somerville Theatre's walk-up window, and what's the third?

Mr. Crepe maybe?

[duffless2323.livejournal.com]

I'm just saying what I would love instead of 3 quickie marts within 200 feet of each other.

Renee's would be perfect if they stayed open past lunch and ran as a coffee shop, but it's not my shop and he didn't seem receptive to the idea.

[m00n.livejournal.com]

Indeed three of almost any of our many fine local businesses would be better than 3 convenience stores.