[Plaza-Midwood Projects (Central, Commonwealth, The Plaza)]

^ I think MC is referring to CVS's lack of response to the neighborhood's concerns/requests and their plopping in the same tired old suburban store model rather than something that would extend the urban appeal of Central that exists East of Pecan. In other words, they don't really care - which is typical of larger corporate retail. More of that would be the 'others' refered to.

I'll certainly agree to that. It's also got to be the most poorly-run drug store I've ever been in (there's usually ten people in line at the photo counter because all the registers are closed), although their pharmacy beats any others that are close by.

[Plaza-Midwood Projects (Central, Commonwealth, The Plaza)]

Didn't say that you did. I was (poorly) trying to make a point. Once Starbucks arrives, all the others follow. And trusting developers for making things better, um, well, trusting CVS didn't exactly provide a home run for the neighborhood, did it?

What "others" will follow Starbucks? I don't have any problem with CVS. Walking there beats having to drive all the way over to Providence to that awful Eckerd. What I could use less of in this neighborhood are check cashing centers and pawn shops.

[Plaza-Midwood Projects (Central, Commonwealth, The Plaza)]

What do you consider "seedy"? Steeple Lounge was a FUN place to go. Great bands and interesting people. I guess it's all how you see a neighborhood. Is Common Market too "seedy"? Same people hang out there that I saw at the Steeple. Should we close it down and have it become a Petro Express? How about we close all the Taqueria's on Central down and make them all Chipotle Grills?

Just saying that you should be careful what you ask for. Before it's all over, you'll have said OK to bringing Ballantyne into PM. And IMO, that would be horrific.

I didn't mind The Steeple. I went there many times. But its successors have been nothing more than dumpy, poorly planned watering holes that did little more than attract late-night die-hard drunks who spread litter and trash from the clothing store on the corner to as far down Pecan as they could stagger toward 7th. On at least five occasions, people on my street have traced nighttime vandalism to patrons of the bars that followed the Steeple's demise.

Part of promoting a good neighborhood that stays true to its diverse heritage, both socially and architecturally, is providing less opportunities for irresponsible morons to screw it up.

And I don't think I recalled asking for a Petro Express or another commercial Mexican restaurant. Lighten up.

[Plaza-Midwood Projects (Central, Commonwealth, The Plaza)]

Has anyone been to Intermezzo Pizzeria? I'd appreciate reading some reviews. Price? Speed? Atmosphere? Taste?

I have not been yet, but I have heard through good sources that it is pretty good.

I'm thrilled that it's there. As a 7-year home owner in this neighborhood, I'm glad someone took the time to make this building into something that complements the community and the property. I think it will go a long way into luring some of the respectibility back into this part of Central.

I don't have anything against smart developers, Starbucks, or anything that is added here that will ultimately improve the quality of life for my family. I understand that Jackelope's will be relocating to the old church on Pecan near Central at some point, which is a dramatic improvment over the succession of seedy bars that have occupied the property.

I don't see actual plants listed on their flier, just horticulture products to assist in growing plants...maybe I'm overlooking it.

Ahem ... maybe they don't actually sell the plants there.