[COMM-ORG] query: getting a grocery store

[Discussion list for COMM-ORG]

From: Mike Hodge <mhodge at tnrc.net>


Hi COMM-ORG,

I am working with a neighborhood group here in Nashville, that has been 
without a grocery store for many years.   

Urban Renewal took out 10-15 "mom and pop" stores and built much public 
housing in the area.  After about 15 years or so, and much work by 
neighbors and a local church pastor, a mid-sized grocery store was built 
in the area.   There are over 300 units of family public housing across 
the street from the site, along with about 280 units of high-rise 
housing for the elderly and handicapped.   More units of "publicly 
assisted" housing are just down the street.

The grocery store operated fairly well, although it changed hands 
several times.   Then the property owner insisted on higher rents.   The 
building has now been vacant for seven years -- due mainly to a crazy 
property owner.  The neighborhood group has met with our city 
development agency, as well as other agencies and elected officials.   
In recent meetings, the development agency rep acted as though he had 
never heard of public funds being used to assist in the acquisition or 
support of a grocery store for an under-served low-income 
neighborhood.   I had a small amount of info on the possible use of 
stimulus funds for this -- a very small amount of info.

SO ---- The question I am asking all of you is:   Do you know any 
specific stories of municipalities assisting in the acquisition of 
property or the operation of a grocery store through the use of public 
funds such as CDBG, stimulus funds, tax increment financing, etc???   I 
KNOW this has been done, but I'd like to be able to have some specific 
stories -- and then be able to talk to the city agencies in whatever 
city this took place and possibly with whatever grocery went in.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Mike Hodge
Neighborhoods Resource Center
Nashville, TN