It’s all part of the many paradoxes of living in OTE. I always talk the talk but sometimes i just can’t walk the walk – schools for instance, my kids don’t go to Trevitt elementary or Douglass because I don’t think that’s the best course of action for our family.

And like the carry outs — they serve a purpose, their extinction would mean putting people out of business, losing their jobs. I don’t want 40 ounce bottles in my yard though and I don’t want a parade of people walking down my street to the carryout to get them. On the other hand, I do enjoy a beer every now and then and it is convenient to walk down to the crappy old Silver Mini Mart to get an overpriced 6 pack of marginal brew.

And bars. It used to a great idea to purchase a house with a bar at the end of the street. Well, since I’ve lived here I’ve had that scenario with the Canabar but it’s just not the kind of bar i always pictured. I’ve been there and not been uncomfortable, the drinks are cheap and on wednesday and sunday the music is good but, not unlike the Kroger-Save-a-Lot scenario, I like better,nicer,prettier.

I don’t want anyone tearing down historic Broad Street Mansions, but I do like the idea of walking down the street and getting some fries and a frosty.

Does this make me a mixed-up fair weather urban snob? Maybe. Just like you I want whats best for the neighborhood and I want my kids to grow up here and I continue to think that when my 2 year old is 15, Long Street will be a much different street then it is now. I hope that throughout that time the people of the near East side continue to be happy, friendly, caring and concerned with more than just their historic homes.

I agree that the last thing OTE needs is another failed business. At first I thought that Save-a-Lot was building new but I was glad to see that their re-using the old Kroger/salvation army building even though it isn’t up to the street and hip.

Thanks for stopping by, see you on the near East message board.

It’s funny that you mention that you think the Sav-A-Lot will bring interest and hopefully improvement to Olde Towne East, but you immediately say that you’ll still do your shopping at Kroger in the Brewery District!

If a store doesn’t have neighborhood support, it won’t survive, and the last thing OTE needs right now is another failed business.

My biggest hope is that the Sav-A-Lot will drive a few of the carryouts out of business – especially the ones at Main & Ohio… but since the Sav-A-Lot won’t be selling any alcohol at all, my guess is that the carryouts will still have plenty of business.

Namaste,
Andrew