Comments on: Life After Safeway: We Shall Rise Again! http://dcfoodforall.com/2010/02/life-after-safeway-we-shall-rise-again/ A Wholesome Community Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:38:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Local Solutions, Local Consciousness | DC Food For All http://dcfoodforall.com/2010/02/life-after-safeway-we-shall-rise-again/comment-page-1/#comment-2005 Local Solutions, Local Consciousness | DC Food For All Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:32:02 +0000 http://dcfoodforall.com/?p=631#comment-2005 [...] if we can approach these problems from a new perspective? Tambra referred to the matter of the Safeway on Rhode Island, and the residents who protested its closing. Tambra said that when she lived in the neighborhood, [...] [...] if we can approach these problems from a new perspective? Tambra referred to the matter of the Safeway on Rhode Island, and the residents who protested its closing. Tambra said that when she lived in the neighborhood, [...]

]]> By: Save Our Safeway: Hearing between the chants | DC Food For All http://dcfoodforall.com/2010/02/life-after-safeway-we-shall-rise-again/comment-page-1/#comment-1799 Save Our Safeway: Hearing between the chants | DC Food For All Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:45:26 +0000 http://dcfoodforall.com/?p=631#comment-1799 [...] neighborhood deserves better and knows it. Tambra Stevenson noted on this blog that the silver lining of this loss is an opportunity for something better. She visions a “true [...] [...] neighborhood deserves better and knows it. Tambra Stevenson noted on this blog that the silver lining of this loss is an opportunity for something better. She visions a “true [...]

]]> By: Ed Waisanen http://dcfoodforall.com/2010/02/life-after-safeway-we-shall-rise-again/comment-page-1/#comment-1797 Ed Waisanen Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:53:38 +0000 http://dcfoodforall.com/?p=631#comment-1797 I asked Council-member Thomas about the Safeway closing when he stopped by my work for a check presentation event. We're located in Edgewood Terrace, which is the large housing project located just up the hill from the store (roughly 800 housing units). Mr. Thomas' response brings to mind several issues around the closing: 1. Many Edgewood residents are low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and/or single parents. The Rhode Isle. Safeway was very walkable and convenient for them. When I walk up the hill to work I typically pass several people with grocery handcarts. The nearest other grocer, Giant, is across Rhode Island avenue and almost three-times as far away. 2. Other grocers have signed "non-compete" agreements stating that they will not move into the space. These may be voided as negotiations progress. I don't know the details of these agreements. 3. One possible point of negotiation is to get Safeway to leave equipment when they go, to help defray the costs of something new moving in. There may also be tax-incentives for something new to move in or for Safeway to stay. 4. If nothing replaces Safeway, other nearby businesses may loose customers. Local employment is a big issue in that area. 5. Safeway did not invest in that store, and it is notorious for long-lines and bad produce. Tambra, I think the message of your post is on-target, the situation is full of possibility. I also think that a lot of residents are understandably scared that they will be left behind as their wealthier neighbors get in the car to shop elsewhere. I would recommend that anyone interested in learning attend the protest on Monday (not sure what time), if only to hear people's concern. A link to the video of Council-member Thomas' comments is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA2-Fqe30eU I asked Council-member Thomas about the Safeway closing when he stopped by my work for a check presentation event. We’re located in Edgewood Terrace, which is the large housing project located just up the hill from the store (roughly 800 housing units).

Mr. Thomas’ response brings to mind several issues around the closing:

1. Many Edgewood residents are low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and/or single parents. The Rhode Isle. Safeway was very walkable and convenient for them. When I walk up the hill to work I typically pass several people with grocery handcarts. The nearest other grocer, Giant, is across Rhode Island avenue and almost three-times as far away.

2. Other grocers have signed “non-compete” agreements stating that they will not move into the space. These may be voided as negotiations progress. I don’t know the details of these agreements.

3. One possible point of negotiation is to get Safeway to leave equipment when they go, to help defray the costs of something new moving in. There may also be tax-incentives for something new to move in or for Safeway to stay.

4. If nothing replaces Safeway, other nearby businesses may loose customers. Local employment is a big issue in that area.

5. Safeway did not invest in that store, and it is notorious for long-lines and bad produce.

Tambra, I think the message of your post is on-target, the situation is full of possibility.
I also think that a lot of residents are understandably scared that they will be left behind as their wealthier neighbors get in the car to shop elsewhere. I would recommend that anyone interested in learning attend the protest on Monday (not sure what time), if only to hear people’s concern.

A link to the video of Council-member Thomas’ comments is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA2-Fqe30eU

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