Well, things are happening quickly and our block does look better than ever. We still have a lot of work to do. The new building on the corner of Lisbon and East 205th street is being worked on so lets welcome them in inspite of of few who have other opinions. The fact is that the building is there, new people are coming in and the investors are good people. We all need to participate in keeping our block "cozy".
The other building is going to be in front of the "bodega". That building will be a professional building for Montif Hospital and there will be a day-care on the first level. The Bodega needs to play an important role here. Do we want our block to offer these kids fatty chips, candy, and soda??
Today, I met with the son of the "Bodega". The new generation.
One of the authentic charms of the Bronx is the "Bodegas" and it is a Bronx thing compared to other boroughs.
As being a resident of the this block, I would like to see the "bodega" step up, and provide our block a bit more than late night ice cream, candy, smoke and cold beer.
Actually they can worker smarter and not harder.
The family run business is always cheerful and full of energy. However, I'm counting on the "son" to take over, and renovate. As part of the block association member and resident, I would help...anybody out there feel the same??
I've walked into many small cafe/sandwich places that also sell a few needed last minute grocery items and visioned it on my block East 205th street. Sort of a cafe breakfast and lunch lounge that stayed opened for the last minute ice cream and baked goods. The current size is good, but the layout is not in terms of function and even safety reasons.
This is the beginning of a new discussion that I would like to see comments...
the "Bodega" is just the beginning...
open thoughts...
...replace the awning...
..add modern 5 headed lighting on the outside..over the new awning..
...change the layout...
...leave the Convenient store behind...offer breakfast bagels, flavored self serve coffee baked goods, bread from our own arthur avenue..
...offer sandwiches for lunch, prepackaged lunch things...deli items..
..in th evening..offer the baked goods, ice cream, "grocery items"
...open the inside to small round tables with chairs...
...in the summer..keep sidwalk seating available for lunch time..only.
...do we need all that candy?? soda?? chips?? (think duene reade candy, soda, chips)
It's not a dream and it can be done. I would use this store...my family would go to this store, my friends...and so will everybody else...it's new beginning, a new way of our quality of life...
Elizabeth
