By Theresa Schliep

On Tuesday, the American Planning Association (APA) named Arthur Avenue one of the Great Streets of America. This did not come as a surprise to those who are familiar with the Bronx’s Little Italy. “It was a long time coming,” said Stan Petti, owner of Full Moon Pizza. “That’s the best way to put it.”

The APA held a press conference on Tuesday along with the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., elected officials, business and community leaders to announce Arthur Avenue’s recognition as one of the Great Streets of America.

James J. Rausse, the president of the APA’s New York Metropolitan Chapter, said this distinction can garner more interest for the restaurants, retail spaces and other services Arthur Avenue provides.

“It’s more of an opportunity to advertise for tourists,” said Rausse. “They will see the history, the culture, the food and then they will want to see what’s beyond Arthur Avenue and the rest of the Bronx.”

Petti said that Arthur Avenue’s growing popularity comes after being overshadowed by Mulberry Street in Manhattan, a primary site of business in Manhattan’s Little Italy. “Everybody knows Manhattan at Mulberry street, but as Mulberry street got smaller, it sort of revived us,” said Petti.

He also attributed this revival to local institutions, such as Fordham University. “It has been from the merchant’s help, the Botanical Gardens, the Bronx Zoo, even Fordham University,” said Petti.

Michael Rella of Peter’s Meat Market said the APA’s recognition of Arthur Avenue as one of the Great Streets of America was due recognition, as businesses along the avenue have worked hard in order to maintain tradition and heritage, as well as cultivate a safe and welcoming environment for seasoned visitors and newcomers alike.

“It will have a positive impact on the avenue,” said Rella. “It’s a good enclave of Italian tradition. We keep the neighborhood clean, we have a good association, we try to keep it as safe as we can.”

Peter’s Meat Market is nestled in the Arthur Avenue Market. Rella has been there for 45 years since he moved from Italy to the Bronx at the age of 13, though he made sure to note he has not been there since the Market’s inception in 1940.

Rella credits Arthur Avenue’s popularity to its authenticity. “The product we sell is really authentic from Italy,” he said. “The restaurants are from generation to generation so we still have the same flavor from when our predecessors built the stores.”

“It’s a real neighborhood, it’s friendly,” he said.

Part of this authenticity is contingent upon on-site work by the locations along Arthur Avenue. In the Arthur Avenue Market, for instance, customers can watch cigar rollers practice their handiwork at La Casa Grande. At Peter’s Meat Market, one can easily watch the butchery.

“Everything is cut on premises,” said Rella. “You want some parmesean, some cheese, we grate it for you. You want some good scallopini, some chopped meat, we do it right in front of you.”

Rella also said the recognition was a long time coming.

“I think we’ve earned it. We put a lot of work into this neighborhood, we want to promote the neighborhood,” said Rella.

Part of Arthur Avenue’s tradition is in its patronage, many of whom have been coming to Arthur Avenue for years.

“We have the same people coming back week after week,” said Rella. “Even when people move to the suburbs, they come back. They like to see the grandmother style of the neighborhood.”

Rella said an example of this tradition is the Ferragosto Festival, which businesses celebrated on Sept. 11.

“We try to do it all in one day,” said Rella, referring to the Ferragosto holiday in Italy which can span over a period of days.

At the press conference, Diaz Jr. said this recognition was fitting for a street as diverse and appealing as Arthur Avenue.

“The Belmont community is filled with amazing restaurants and shops, and is one of the finest tourist destinations in the region, if not the world. We already knew how great this neighborhood is… but now the rest of the country knows that the best place to be is right here in The Bronx, right here on Arthur Avenue,” said Diaz.

According to the APA’s website, there are multiple characteristics of a “Great Street.” These characteristics include “encourages human contact and social activities” and “has a memorable character.” Arthur Avenue was one of five American acknowledged by the APA.