why not some kind local art/craft consignment operation...lots of very talented folks who need a marketplace for their work...would support new and existing restaurants...

WE NEED A PANERA BREAD IN TOWN not another want to be a bakery like Corner Bakery.

Over the last 36 years several bake shops have come and gone in town. The BEST one was Robertson's Cake Box back in the 70's/early 80's. A family run, old-style bakery that sold amazing goods. They closed and then another one opened near Pier 1 Imports, but that didn't last very long. Then I think there was one more but I cannot remember where it was located. I think it would be great if we had a local bakery, but I'm guessing that the hours and work involved demands a high profit margin in order to cover expenses. I would LOVE to open one since baking is my passion, but the rent, the uncertainty, and the competition from the grocery bakeries is just too overwhelming. If anyone is interested in going in as a partner, let me know.

I love the local art/consignment idea, that sounds great to me.

Me too! That would be a fun, community beneficial, and interesting shop. As long as the pricing is within reason I would bet that it would be a huge hit.

A real bakery, an authentic (not a chain) mexican restaurant that is casual, an affordable children's store that is not a chain, and a lotion/fragrance store.

And what would the harm of a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's coming into town? Please!

Becky-
As I said, we here at The Grapevine are always looking for ideas as to how we can add on to our business. Maybe we should talk at some point about your bakery idea. In these economic times and with State Street the way it is I am completely open to listening to any and all ideas as to how we can service our customers better.

EC -
A Whole Foods can't come into the borough. It's too big. Something like that would have to go in the surrounding township. I believe this discussion is about State Street and the borough in particular.

I may be stroking the fire of controversy with this one. I do not have any, nor ever been in one, but how about a tattoo parlor? Seems to me that most people have them anymore - young or old, male or female, poor or rich. Done properly could really be an asset and draw. Heck, I'd even consider that bicycle chain tattoo...........

Chuck, a location where we can buy peanut and tree nut free baked goods would be great. Would gladly pay the premium for the goods...

Chris - I'm open to it!! We have a lot of that stuff that's packaged...and it's pretty good. But fresh made would be even better!

Harry - You know as well as I do that this borough would shoot that down in a second. But it's really not that bad of an idea when you think of it. If done properly. It would bring in a whole other segment of the population that has money to spend. We HAVE to think progressively and creatively.

the goal would be to create a unique collaborative community based creative marketplace to support local artists/craft people...i think you would want a range of products in both medium and price...artists could rent space for periods of time and tupport operating tasks to reduce costs...including later hours to attract folks dining at local restaurants etc...

Does anyone know the status of the Promenade on sycamore street ?

I like the consignment idea, local arts and crafts.

Chuck, Precisely why we need a united voice, this town is not horse and buggy anymore. Things need to change with the times or die. We should have a say in how things play out, our livelihood depends on it as well as this cutesy borough that everyone adores. If a tattoo parlor could make it financially and ran a professional operation who are "they" to stop it. Should be up to fellow business owners as well as residents.

Panera, Boston Market, nifty fiftys!!!!

Newtown needs a good old diner. A place where people can go for a late night snack.

Back in the day (yes, the days of cow town Newtown) there was Camilla's on State Street. I loved that place - it wasn't quite a "diner" but close to it. I would love it if we had a place like that here.

It's difficult for very small ops to compete with big enterprises--costs are higher and the small biz person needs to eat too. There is a need for "higher" value special locally produced food items like breads, meats, cheeses, jellys/jams etc...the same kind of co-op idea could apply. Both could start small with existing vacant spaces and if successful there could be plans to incorpate expansion in new planned developments. The key is to create a competitive advantage while creating new opportunities for local folks. Many talented, creative people in our community.

The RENT is TOO High; but it's nice to Dream !

Bring back JUDYS !!!!!!!

Does anyone know if there are different zoning or other restrictions in Newtown Borough verse Newtown Township? Just wondering if perhaps the suggestions for Whole Foods or Trader Joe's might fly easier in the township. Shoot if Cosi can open up in the township, the NAC can get a liquor licence and build a bar/restaurant.......why not those stores in Newtown Borough?

I know this strays from State Street thoughts, but just seeing other comments I'd thought I would add it.

For the record, I like the bakery idea and not a chain bakery.

has anyone done an inventory of the space that is currently or will potentially become vacant--including cost, features etc of the space? is there a local economic development group that is responsible for developing and executing strategies to address current/future needs?

that's very sad. many local small biz were hard hit by the economic times. some made it, some didn't. especially difficult to have vacant storefronts in the core of the downtown area. are folks in the borough and township working together to find new solutions. is there any consensus among the community leaders about what needs to be done?

What we need is a good place for bicycles, like Bikeline.

A real Bakery needs to happen in this site.. historians will remember that 1 south state street used to be a bakery..

Parking is the issue on state street,, I don't want it to be a hunting expedition to find a parking spot just to pick up a few rolls, pastries, or cake.

obviously there is some kind of political issue going on here between stakeholders in the boro/twp-any biz who might locate in the space will look at the larger market which includes both people in the boro and twp as a draw to their store--would seem that it is everyone's interest to focus on common interests....i think everyone who lives in "newtown" wants a vibrant downtown that everyone can be proud of...difficult from a biz perspective to seperate boro/twp marketplace--it's one market.

I agree with George, parking is the biggest problem for businesses. I use to buy donuts every Saturday from Robertson's Bakery. This was a better time when Newtown had a quarter of the current population. They had the best Cream filled donuts, cakes, pastries etc. It's a shame they retired.
Parking and the rent fees are the biggest problems IMO. Good luck.

Oh and the bakery that was located near the Starbucks / Newtown hardware house was named " Ruegners" Not sure if that's the correct spelling. It was also a family owned bakery with the worlds best Eclairs.

You are correct Sandy. Parking is huge challenge--even with current business. New businesses would obviously add to the problem. Has anyone considered better parking solutions-- dedicated valet, remote with some kind of small vehicle service to downtown and major shopping areas in both twp/boro??? Don't see how you can resolve the issue in the boro w/o using pkg capacity in the twp. But it is a big challenge.

It seems that if these stores were used by the residents regularly, some of them might STILL be Around ! The population of Newtown has been Increasing every year, But so has the RENT. What was the real reason they went OUT of Business ?
There was Addison Bakery in the Genuardi's shoping center, they didn't have Fresh Stuff !