Later Closing Recommended for Suburban Square Restaurants

The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners Building and Planning Committee voted unanimously Wedesday evening to recommend permitting new restaurants in Suburban Square’s courtyard to stay open until 2 a.m.

Management at Suburban Square requested last year that a "condition of approval" for new restaurants in the courtyard area be amended for the later closing if the restaurant can demonstrate it would not adversely affect public health, safety and welfare, said Chris Leswing, assistant building and planning director for the township.

The New Suburban Square

In August 2010, the Board of Commissioners approved a Waiver of Land Development Plan which included pedestrian improvements intended to attract a new high-end restaurant to the courtyard, according to a memorandum from township senior planner Andrea Campisi.

One of the conditions of approval of the waiver stated that new restaurants located in the renovated courtyard would be required to close no later than midnight. For restaurants approved to stay open until 2 a.m., no outdoor music would be permitted after 10 p.m.

James Wheeler, a member of the North Ardmore Civic Association’s Board of Directors, urged approval during the meeting's public comment period.

“There’s strong support for this restaurant,” he said.

Suburban Square has not yet announced what restaurant will be coming to the Ardmore shopping center, but General Manager Mark Bachus . Also, part of the new land- and streetscaping includes valet parking along St. James Place, at the entrance to the courtyard.