by Emma Jacobs

One of Philadelphia's most distinctive places will see a change behind the scenes on Jan. 1. Control of the Italian Market's iconic fruit and vegetable stands will move from the city to the neighborhood merchant association. "Everybody eats," observed Leo Pracopio, who has worked at Hollywood Meat Market since 1983.

"They want to fill up all the stands that aren't used. And I think it's a great idea. The more people you bring to the area. The more attractions you have," he said. "Empty stands are definitely an eyesore." Early on the morning of Christmas Eve, lines stretched out of shops and down the sidewalk on the busiest stretch of Italian Market.

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Source: http://www.newsworks.org/