Reminder - Flatbread/Sacco's expansion meeting tonight, 6 pm

[ron_newman]

A reminder: tonight is the community meeting for the proposed expansion of Flatbread Company and Sacco's Bowl-Haven. The meeting is at 6pm at 49 Day Street, the former Ideal Engine space that Flatbread wants to expand into.

I don't expect to see any opposition, but this exemplary local business would appreciate your support anyway. I'll post a report after the meeting.

(Click the sacco's bowl-haven tag for earlier posts about this.)

Comments

[ron_newman]

I'm planning to speak in favor, in case anyone's wondering. It has proven itself to be a good neighbor, and of course it already has its liquor license. I live a half block from it.

[ron_newman]

It's a local chain from Amesbury, MA. It embeds itself in our local community. Different facts call for different local responses.

[samcoren.livejournal.com]

You're probably better off directing your sarcastic trolling over the World of Beer thing toward the Ward 6 Alderman and not Ron...the "drinking hole" comment was her bit, not his.

I think Sacco's represents the same sort of thing Johnny D's does in that it's a business that attracts people of all ages with more to offer the neighborhood beyond just food and drink. Those kinds of businesses are rare and deserve support.

[wintahill.livejournal.com]

I am one of the people who was certainly a bit annoyed by the opposition to the proposed World of Beers.

I do think the expansion of Flatbreads would be a good thing though and I do think we should support existing businesses in the Square as much as possible, but not to the extent of actively trying to block or discourage competitors and chains from coming to Somerville also. The square is big enough to accommodate many stores, bars, restaurants and other businesses. Some of them may not be to your tastes or places you personally would frequent, but other residents of the city, visitors, or workers in the area may actually appreciate them and be happy to see their arrival.

I am very passionate about craft beer, what can I say. If I came across as hostile or blaming you, Ron Newman, in my previous posts I apologize. That was not my intention, my anger was more direct at Alderman Gewirtz and the perceived hypocrisy of many of the posters here. I felt and still do that many people were against a "beer bar" and instead of stating that they were utilizing more PC arguments instead to make a case against this particular tenant. Davis Square and Somerville in general is a great place to live, I just wish some people could be more open minded about bringing new businesses and life into the area.

[samcoren.livejournal.com]

I definitely agree with you on a lot of points. I think it was just a really poor choice of words on the Alderman's part - "drinking hole" in this case was borderline slander in the context of her message. I don't think what she did made Somerville look particularly inviting to any prospective business owner, chain or not, by saying what she said before they had a chance to share their proposal with the neighborhood.

[rethcir.livejournal.com]

I 100% agree with you, wintahill.

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

There was some pretty strong opposition from some residents when it was Red Bones that wanted to expand into the space. It was... bizarre in its vehemence, actually.

I was all for it and I'm all for it now, as long as they green up their proposed patio area with some trees.

[ron_newman]

I missed that entirely! When did it happen?

I didn't even know there would be a patio. Presumably in what's now the small disused parking lot to the right of #49?

Hope to see you there tonight.

[maelithil.livejournal.com]

Last year, potentially before Thanksgiving? It was in the street outside, the owner of Red Bones had come door to door asking for support/comments from Day Street residents beforehand, which is why I knew it was going on.

It was some residents (one in particular) from the apartment complex closest to the parking lot that were strongly opposed to another food establishment. Strongly, strongly, strongly opposed because of noise/odor/rats. They suggested a grocery store, which would maybe limit the noise aspect (not at delivery times, though) and certainly wouldn't do much about trash and potential pests.

Yeah, the patio will be in the little fenced area by the structure, hopefully it will have actual trees and not just container plants.

I unfortunately have a prior commitment tonight, but it's a meeting I'd love to hear about. Will you let us know how it went?

[ron_newman]

He never got down to my part of Day Street! As you know, I'm less than a half block from you. I would have strongly supported him.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Well, "local". Honestly, I personally can't stand the company's twee attitude, and every time I've been there the service has been poor, but if they want to expand, let 'em.

[somerfriend.livejournal.com]

Awesome! I learned a new word today. Twee.

[dominika-kretek.livejournal.com]

Wow, Sacco's is still hanging on? I am cheered by this.

[ron_newman]

I think they're doing so well that they are becoming overcrowded, hence this expansion proposal.