I'd really love a market. I do not have a car and I do frequently walk the boulevard for certain things I need but it would be fantastic to have a place to go to pick up supplies for dinner.

Honestly, the Boulevard needs at least one major business to show that it's a vibrant community. I get that the chamber of commerce hates this idea, but a Panera's or something simliar would be idea (though not Starbucks--gods, not Starbucks). Beyond that, what is needed is incentives for businesses to stick around--lower rent would be a good idea, as would a street fair that would draw people to the neighborhood. Something akin to the South Side Street Spectacular. Get all the businesses to participate, have them set stands out on the sidewalk outside, get bands to play, have an I Made It! Market craft show--make a real festival out of it.

All of those are good ideas. Unfortunately, it's going to be difficult for any new businesses to move onto the Boulevard while the construction is happening. I think the Chamber's main concern at this point is finding ways to support the existing businesses so that when construction is done, there's already a solid business base in the community to build from.

Very true--construction of this type is always disruptive, but I look forward to the end result, which I think will really beautify the area.

As for attracting new businesses later, unfortunately, from everything I have heard the Chamber is rather staunchly resistant to bringing in big-name, chain businesses to Brookline. While I understand the desire to try and keep it a small-town feel, unfortunately these days that tends to lead to nothing more than urban decay. A big name business would be an economic booster to the community. Having Aldi's move in down on Sussex and McNeilly was a great move for the community, but we need more going on up on the Blvd. itself.

Here's one that just came to me: the Chamber should put together a pamphlet of all the businesses in Brookline and distribute it. Send people out door-to-door to deliver it--there's a lot of great businesses that a lot of people may not even know are there. Include everything from Cannon Coffee to CVS to the Moonlight Cafe to Geekadrome, to the TV Repair Shop. People may not realize how many cool and neat businesses are within walking distance of their house.

Maybe a street fair like the one Dormont does on Potomac Ave every summer? With vendors, live bands, beer, etc. Personally, I don't go up to Brookline Blvd often because I am never sure where I can park...

I agree with the idea of a market or other key business. Brookline is a nice family neighborhood and a signature bar crawl or other rowdy event wouldn't fit. There are lots of great places to get food in Brookline and people already come from other neighborhoods to eat here. But, the Blvd is dirty and filled with litter. It would be beneficial to the businesses and neighborhood to address that issue.

20 MINUTES OF FREE PARKING, DUH.

Businesses with realistic business hours.
It's nearly impossible for working people to spend money at a business that opens late in the morning and closes early in the afternoon.

It's sounding to me like the Boulevard and community groups could benefit from better communication. I publish a lot of info on Dormont-Brookline Patch, but there are other communication sources available, too.

The Brookline newsletter is awesome, and Pam Grabowski puts that together by herself. It is available by email in full color, and also is available by mail. Contact The Brookline at thebrookline@brookline-pgh.org for details about how to subscribe.

Also, the community meetings are open to everyone if you want to just come and hear about what's happening or what's in the work for the community. This article has all the meeting dates and times: http://dormont-brookline.patch.com/articles/do-you-know-when-brookline-meetings-are

How about the stores offering free 1 hour parking tokens!

How about a parking garage? It sounds to me like there are a lot of parking complaints. I'm thinking there was one there at some time- Where the senior's building is now :/

I'm sorry... Where is the Pavillion? And believe it or not, I've lived in this are for most of my life.

Get out and take a walk around Brookline. Get involved in the community a little more. Erin has made it pretty clear that most of the ideas that have been mentioned on here have already been addressed. Just get out and see it for yourself. Get involved.