Politics

Finnegan’s Wake Taking a Second Crack at Its Bodine Street Takeover

Finnegan's Wake's dumpster blocking Bodine Street.
Finnegan’s Wake’s dumpster blocking Bodine Street. Photo: PlanPhillu

You know that old saying about if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again? Well, it looks as if the folks at the politically well-connected Finnegan’s Wake are taking it to heart, and are back at their Bodine Street hustlin’ shenanigans. You’ll recall back in December that then lame duck (he’s since retired) City Councilman Frank DiCicco was working with cronies, including Finnegan’s owner and Democratic Committeeman Mike Driscoll, to turn the stretch of North Bodine Street between Spring Garden and Green streets over to the bar — for nothing, apparently — so it can expand and build out balconies. Citypaper reports today that the effort is getting a second push courtesy of DiCicco’s replacement, First District Councilman Mark Squilla.

Needless to say, neighbors already up in arms with the bar’s party-hardy clientele are not pleased. And rightly so. With the city just about broke-ass and calling for the closing of 40 schools this summer to close the budget gap, now is not the time for it to be freely giving away property so a few hundred extra party animals have room to drink green beer on St. Patrick’s Day. Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association president Matt Ruben is quoted, saying the measure will never make it to committee.

Sounds like Finnegan’s Bodine Street takeover bill is back [CP]


Earlier: City Councilman Frank DiCicco Wants to Give Bodine Street to Cronies at Finnegan’s Wake

Finnegan’s Wake Taking a Second Crack at Its Bodine Street Takeover