You can read the Main Line Times article here.
The Narberth Borough planning commission floated a plan last month which would restrict the use of commercial space in the borough. The gist of the plan was a ban on 'formula stores' or chain stores in our commercial space. This place was opposed by a number of local interests including commercial property owners and local business owners. The commission is looking to find ways to ensure that our downtown retains its 'unique character'.
With the economy shifting downward, there are a number of empty retail spaces on Haverford Ave. The Borough would like to prevent them from being converted to offices or other non-retail space. Over the years, large-window retail spaces have been converted to professional offices. As this trend continues, it becomes an accelerating process whereby shopping/walking traffic decreases and leads to the conversion of more storefronts.
The goal of preventing 'formula stores' is more difficult to pin down in legally enforceable language. The current plan would ban stores with "standardized offerings of merchandise, attire, decor, and signage". This is a difficult, challenging task.
[begin editorial comment] Perhaps the solution is to use a carrot vs. the stick. Instead of banning formula stores, perhaps the Borough can better organize, in association with the business community, to lure desirable retailers and entrepreneurs to Narberth. To many potential business owners, Narberth seems to have expensive rent, old buildings (which may be expensive to renovate), and limited parking. However, these negatives are offset by our walking traffic volume, comparative affluence, and word of mouth. Just drive by the Ice Cafe at 9pm on a summer-time evening to see what is possible. There are more retail spaces which will become available soon. The planning commission should be commended for dealing with this problem proactively.[end editorial]
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