On the Kroger/grocery store debate. . . we continue to market to alternative grocery store chains and would see them as part of a mixed use development somewhere in downtown Decatur. It can be hard to find one that will build an urban concept store because many are still stuck in the 30,000 + sq ft in a sea of parking model. In the short term, I would speak directly to the manager of the downtown Kroger and make your concerns known. If you have specific products or recommendations, put them in writing to the manager and copy the corporate offices. It’s easier to change what we have than it is to try and build something new and customers really do carry a lot of weight. Maybe we can help mobilize a community effort to get some changes in quality.

. . . and on the grocery store discussion. We continue to look at grocery store options. It can be difficult to find an “urban” concept store that doesn’t require 30,000 sf of space and a huge parking lot. While we work on opportunities to work a smaller market concept into future redevelopment projects downtown, I would encourage you as customers to make your feelings known to the Kroger management staff. It’s easier to work to work on them to demand a better product than it is to get a new market. In this case, the customer really has a lot more power to influence change and improved products. Put it in writing, let them know what you want – you carry a great deal of weight.