Comments on: Clamor for Trader Joe's Heard By Creative Loafing

By: Nancy Wilkinson

Nancy Wilkinson — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:57:47 +0000

In defense of the little Kroger – yes, it’s closely packed and has a limited selection. I’ve never thought it was dirty though – I’d be interested in seeing the health inspection reports. Small older locations often appear kind of run-down no matter what the staff does to keep up with them. I don’t shop there when I have a big grocery list to fill. But for a quick trip to get a couple of things – the ease of running in and out quickly, the small accessible parking lot and the super-friendly cashiers beats other area stores hands-down for me.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:35:51 +0000

I believe it is owned by Vision Properties…can probably Google to get phone number to call owner…maybe there is a sign at Big H Center?

By: E

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:13:13 +0000

The owner of the “Oakhurst Grocery” property has done everything in his power to hold back the resurgence of the neighborhood. He and he alone is responsible for the lack of a grocery store in that property – he is stubborn and unreasonable and we are ALL paying for it. The economy and vitality of the Oakhurst Village would be improved immeasurably by something, anything, taking over the blighted piece of vacant parking lot and commercial property he is holding hostage.

Letters and emails to Trader Joe’s are nice, but they are not the solution. Trader Joe’s has already tried to work with the owner of that property, and like everyone else who has approached him with offers and options, he has responded with a mix of paranoia and bad faith negotiations. He is the problem. He is holding us back, our neighborhood back, our town back.

It’s not that I have the solution – I don’t know how you deal with such a flawed person to bring about a desired outcome. I’m just pointing out the problem. And I don’t think it’s going to be solved by begging Trader Joe’s to come to town – as much as I’d love them to do so.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:27:56 +0000

I do hope the City will continue to use whatever leverage they may possess to bring a grocery to those of us on the south side of the tracks. Of course, we all know that the Big H Center would work, but no retailer has been able to come close to “terms” with the owner of the property. I guess that eminent domain may not be applicable in this situation!

The small Kroger in downtown Decatur is too jam packed with overflow merchandise, poor selection, narrow aisles, etc. etc., it just doesn’t work for our city. I am surprised the entries conform to firecode/ADA compliance, as it is often packed with…well…everything but the kitchen sink. The store is ill-kempt, often with trash overflowing containers, blowing through the parking lot and just seems unclean to where I and many other Decaturites just won’t shop there. It certainly does not reflect well on our town.

With the intense focus on pedestrian friendly city and amenities, I strongly feel that a grocery store should be a priority for the DDA. Restaurants, gift shops, clothing, bars….we have plenty, thank you. But a basic service like groceries is a need not met in our town….not even close.