[Saint John] Uptown Thread

[bingun]

There wasn't much info about this until they put out the PAC agenda for tomorrow, worth a read. Lots of pictures to see of the inside, not much left but the walls! On one hand, these buildings have been vacant for decades, but this application seems half-done. I am not sure who is behind this.

115-119 and 123 Hazen Street

https://pub-saintjohn.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=26221

https://pub-saintjohn.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=26222

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by bingun

There wasn't much info about this until they put out the PAC agenda for tomorrow, worth a read. Lots of pictures to see of the inside, not much left but the walls! On one hand, these buildings have been vacant for decades, but this application seems half-done. I am not sure who is behind this.

115-119 and 123 Hazen Street

Cool idea for 115-119, but... yeah. Staff is basically demanding this unknown developer rezone, which would be a cakewalk, as would be the zero-parking variance, given past PAC parking minimum action on RC zoned properties. Not sure how much of a coffee shop you could fit in a garage, and it's very weird to propose such a small thing with total silence on the rest of the building.

[Ire Narissis]

Looking at the plan, there doesn't look to be space for a service counter at all so I'm wondering if it'd be some kind of self-serve situation with automatic coffee machines.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by Ire Narissis

Looking at the plan, there doesn't look to be space for a service counter at all so I'm wondering if it'd be some kind of self-serve situation with automatic coffee machines.

I watched last night's PAC meeting, and it was a procedural mess; it took them the best part of 90 minutes to figure out what they wanted to do. Long story short, it sounds like it's going ahead, but the applicant needs to submit some further documentation.

The coffee shop will be targeted at St Joe's staff and hospital visitors for takeout, with no intention of providing any seating.

For the residential side, this building has been a big issue; the meeting reminded me that it recently had a fire and apparently has frequent break-ins by the homeless population, so it would be a big win to finally have this sorted. This is just down the street from St Vincent's, so it's going to be a noticeable shift in the area. They also have an agreement with a nearby parking lot to utilize their parking for residents.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by bingun

Snapped this while walking past tonight.

When I walked past the other day, and the door was open, this looked ready to go on the inside. They are actively hiring, as per the picture below.

I also learned that the owners are the same as the Japanese stand at the Queens Square Farmers Market - Oishi Takoyaki.

Here is the website, although no menu up yet - https://yoramen.ca/

Off the top of my head, Bubbly Cup, Sweetums in Rothesay, the new crepe spot in the city market, and now this place all started out at the farmers' market. It is really a success story that should be talked about more. Small business incubation is what I've heard it called before?

[bingun]

The Bagel Artist opened in the city market today, and it was busy when I walked by at lunchtime. The new Crepe spot also appeared to be open, although to far less fanfare. Fiddling Ferns has also reopened by the old Slocum and Ferris sign in a creatively put-together spot.

I'd say this puts us at the highest occupancy level since the pandemic? It is really just the old Uncorked spot that needs a new purpose, as some of the other ones already have plans in the works.

Together Designs, which was previously at 175 Prince William, has relocated to a location with more foot traffic on Germain Street, next to Suwanna.

LebanonOn The Go On Prince William has closed their physical location and is apparently going to be some kind of food truck instead.

Edit - I forgot to ask, has anyone heard any update on the Market Street Kitchen restaurant in Billy's old spot? That seems to be taking quite some time.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by bingun

The Bagel Artist opened in the city market today, and it was busy when I walked by at lunchtime. The new Crepe spot also appeared to be open, although to far less fanfare. Fiddling Ferns has also reopened by the old Slocum and Ferris sign in a creatively put-together spot.

I'd say this puts us at the highest occupancy level since the pandemic? It is really just the old Uncorked spot that needs a new purpose, as some of the other ones already have plans in the works.

Together Designs, which was previously at 175 Prince William, has relocated to a location with more foot traffic on Germain Street, next to Suwanna.

LebanonOn The Go On Prince William has closed their physical location and is apparently going to be some kind of food truck instead.

Nice to see some new businesses opening in the market.

Anyone heard anything about the new restaurant going into the old Billy's location? AFAIR it was supposed to be open awhile ago.