Monrovia Old Town Report (04/27/17 Issue)

Potential good news for those bemoaning the loss of Parchment, the 400 block, west side, coffee shop that has seen several owners in the past few years.
– Courtesy photo

By Pam Fitzpatrick

We’ll start out this week with some potential good news for those bemoaning the loss of Parchment, the 400 block, west side, coffee shop that has seen several owners in the past few years. Hopefully we’ll know more next week, but for now all I can say is that a successful café owner from L.A. is seriously interested in the business, and his plans for expanded service sound exciting. Add to that the fact that he and his partner say they love the charm and the hometown feel of our Old Town – and, best yet, if they move forward, they plan to be an integral part of our collective success. Successful owners are involved owners, so I’m crossing my fingers!

Last week we had a meeting of involved Old Town business owners to discuss the rumored move of our Street Fair to Library Park and surrounds. Prior to the meeting, we got some clarification from our City Manager about exactly what streets would be closed to through traffic should the move take place. The plan, if it is implemented, is to have Myrtle Avenue closed to traffic at Lime (with a right turn allowed on E. Lime), closing off at least the 300 block of Myrtle to through traffic as well as some of the surrounding side streets. None of those present were in favor of the move, and a couple not present had the same views presented on their behalf either verbally or by letter. Hopefully there will be outreach to the Old Town Merchants in the near future.

At the same gathering, Old Town’s Keely Millikan passed out flyers for all of the stores with information on the upcoming Monrovia Days event in Library Park on May 20 and 21. This event is brought to us via a partnership between the City of Monrovia, the Monrovia Unified School District, and Centre Stage. Events will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday with a Pancake Breakfast and continue with a 10 a.m. parade on Myrtle and an 11 a.m. opening of the Carnival, Beer Garden, and all the other events. I’ve said before I really like the Dunk Tank and the Pie Eating Contest.

Now, in addition to a possible new café in the 400 block, we are anticipating the opening of The Attic Events and Home Treasures (and if I messed up on the name, apologies……still waiting for the sign!).

From my discussions with our Planning Department, it appears that this new business which will be opening at 302 S. Myrtle (where Knot Too Shabby used to be) may be similar to its predecessor, but it’s hard to tell from just the description on the business application, so we’ll see…

I was happy to see that 38 Degrees on E. Colorado will be getting a couple of signs (finally) to identify the popular restaurant/bar. Sometime after they first opened their signature “38” sign was stolen and since then they have been minus an identifying sign. This week they are on the agenda for the Design and Review Committee to approve a building wall sign as well as a projected wall sign. And – if you peak in the windows of the Copper Still Grill (used to be Sam’s Kabob Room) in the 600 block of S. Myrtle, you’ll see some pretty classy digs! The projected opening date is sometime in May – can’t wait to finally have an open business in that long-empty location!

Cinco de Mayo is next week already, and Rudy is working with the Ballet Folklorico who, if we can find space near his Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant on that Friday night, will perform for the crowds. I’ll keep you posted…

And don’t forget the MFD’s Pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 13 on E. Lemon. Glad to see them bring back this great family event!

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