EDITORIAL: Steppin' Out isn't enough

University City needsUniversity City needsmore retailers, notUniversity City needsmore retailers, notjust a programUniversity City needsmore retailers, notjust a programforcing existing storesUniversity City needsmore retailers, notjust a programforcing existing storesto stay open late. The theory behind the program -- that businesses staying open late will entice more people to walk around in the community after dark, increasing safety -- is sound. But the turnout for the first Steppin' Out Nite was disappointingly light. The University must do more to promote the Steppin' Out Nites that will occur each Wednesday through December. But it must also make an immediate, determined effort to fill now-vacant retail spaces like the former Mega Video store, the old College Pizza location and the former Pizza House restaurant, all in the 3900 block of Walnut Street. The old Italian Bistro, near 34th and Walnut streets, has been empty for three years. Last spring, with much fanfare, University City Associates -- Penn's for-profit real estate subsidiary -- surveyed the shopping and dining habits of students, faculty and staff via the World Wide Web. The tabulated data were presented in a formal report in Almanac this fall. Yet not one of the aforementioned vacant retail spaces has been filled as a result. Leasing space to a new tenant can't be much easier than showing up with market research that shows 110 survey respondents -- more than 10 percent -- want a TGI Friday's, or 175 -- nearly 20 percent -- would like another Italian option. A good supermarket was a top priority for 132 respondents, and 185 would like more clothing stores. With these figures in hand, why hasn't the University moved faster to improve the retail and food-service options near campus? Contributing to the vitality of West Philadelphia means more than student community service projects. While the Steppin' Out Nite program has potential, it's like treating a head wound with a Band-Aid -- it doesn't begin to truly compensate for the shortcomings of the University City's available retail options.