Posted: 22 Jan 2014 07:38 AM PST
The importance of keeping the public benefit issues alive when redevelopment is dead
By Anna Daniels On January 15
Councilmember Marti Emerald released a statement about the imminent closure of
the Albertsons store and pharmacy in the City Heights Retail Village. This
announcement took the community by complete surprise. While it is true that
"This planned closure of a major retailer is unfortunately a common story
in older, low income neighborhoods...," this particular Albertsons is part
of a unique, extensive redevelopment effort in City Heights. Albertsons opened
in 2001, has a large footprint, carries fresh produce, is clean and well lit
and includes the kinds of onsite services within the store that one associates
with its more suburban (read successful) counterparts-- Starbucks, deli, bakery
as well as services tailored to City Heights tastes and needs. It is frankly
difficult to perceive how this particular store fits into the "common
story" narrative.
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