UA: Student body hungry for eating options on 40th St.

An Undergraduate Assembly survey of 470 students showed a desire for diverse retail on a redeveloped 40th Street. The results of what student leaders called "the largest survey ever conducted by the Undergraduate Assembly" are in and they show that most students want restaurants more than any other retail establishment on 40th Street. The UA recently conducted a "40th Street Development Survey" to determine what new stores and shops students would want to see incorporated into development of the street commonly considered the western boundary of Penn's campus. A total of 470 students responded to the survey on Locust Walk and in dining halls. The University is in the process of attracting new retail to the 40th Street corridor, which has undergone major aesthetic improvements over the past year. The focal point of the development will be a movie theater and supermarket at the corner of 40th and Walnut streets. The survey addressed several issues, like what type of retail students want on 40th Street and whether they would be willing to visit the corridor. "The survey went very well and coincides with recent UA outreach attempts," said UA Chairperson Bill Conway. "We wanted to gather the opinions of the undergraduate student body so we can better advocate their concerns to the administration." Common suggestions among participating students included the inclusion of a variety of stores, restaurants, services and entertainment resources. Restaurants were a priority for students, as 70 percent of respondents thought there should be more of them on 40th Street. Popular ideas included Italian and Chinese restaurants, a sit-down deli, more lunch establishments and a bagel shop. Students also indicated an interest in a more entertainment-oriented 40th Street. Fifty-six percent of students surveyed wanted to see the addition of jazz or swing bars, as well as more coffeehouses. Forty-nine percent wanted to see a new music store, and 54 percent wanted to see more bars and pubs on 40th Street --Ean overwhelmingly popular request for men living off campus, in particular. The addition of a video store with longer hours was also a popular request among off-campus students -- drawing 53 percent of the respondents. Video Library, which is located on the 4000 block of Locust Street, is only open Monday through Saturday until 10 p.m. Only 37 percent of women who responded -- as opposed to 77 percent of men -- said they wanted a new clothing store. Abercrombie & Fitch was the most popular proposal. The survey also addressed how far along 40th Street students are willing to travel during the day and night. The study showed that older students were more apt to travel further along 40th Street between Market Street and Baltimore Avenue. According to the UA, members tried to get a diverse group of students to respond to the survey, which is not scientifically sound in that it did not poll a random group of respondents. "This is definitely the most widespread University survey in a long time," said Conway, a College junior. The members of the UA met extensively with Executive Vice President John Fry, Managing Director of Economic Development Jack Shannon and Paul Steinke, the head of University City District, to discuss the development of the survey. Fry, Shannon and Steinke could not be reached for comment yesterday. The UA plans to release the comprehensive results to the administration today.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.