Real Food Cooperative not Welcomed around Allen St. and Fellows Ave. Rodney
Brown
A majority of residents are against the store's plans to re locate because it would require that their neighborhood status as residential be changed to commercial. Interestingly, some of the residents in opposition to the move are member/owners of the grocery store. Last week, Travis Hance, general manager for Real Food Co-op, meet with residents to discuss the dynamics of the grocery store expansion plans. Hance noted, the new 11,000 square feet grocery store will provide a greatly expanded produce, bulk, grab n' go deli & sushi, hot & cold food bar, fresh meat and fish. He also spoke briefly about the issue of how many trees would have to be removed. The move from 618 Kensington Rd. to 2200 East Genesee St. will affect residents between Allen St. and Fellows Avenue. Cory Lyons, a Fellows Avenue resident for over 30 years took a petition door to door and found that over 40 of his neighbors opposed zoning changes that would allow Real Food into the proposed sight. At the meeting Lyons noted that the majority of residents were not in favor of the plan. "Many residents were for the plan in the beginning," he said. "But after they (residents) were informed about the potential problems that could occur and how it could directly affect households-many changed their minds." In the meeting Lyons pointed to the neighborhood streets widths, which are approximately 27 feet wide. "The maneuvering of tractor-trailers on residential streets will create traffic problems," he said. "This is a safety concern. The expansion will increase traffic by more than two-thirds; an estimation of 500 more visits per day." In addition he posed the questions: What would happen if someone on the block become ill and need emergency care? Or What if a fire truck couldn't get through because a tractor-trailer making a delivery had the street tied-up? Lyons, an African American, also shared that he was present when someone at another meeting said the Co-op would be good for the neighborhood so that they could teach "those people" who walk on the other side of the street to eat properly. "The comment incensed other neighbors as well, both back and white," he said. Dr. Rich Jaiger, a resident of Allen St. for 30 years recalled how hard all residents have worked (as he has) to make their neighborhood a pleasant and diverse place to live. "These are desirable places; people seek them out," he said. "Our neighborhood is vibrant and vital, yet fragile." Brian Taylor of Allen St. brought up the point of the size of the Co-op's expansion by comparing it to the Aldi's grocery store which is close by on Erie Blvd. He said the old location is about 13 percent the size of Aldi's and the new location would be approximately 75 percent of the size of Aldi's. "It would not be the small unobtrusive enterprise that it has been in the past," Taylor said. "The current zoning of the property is so that single family residential use is preserved. By changing the zoning to allow the store would change the character of the neighborhood." Jeffery and Christopher, residents of Allen St. for 12 years mentioned, they were committed to the area and have renovated 3 houses as a result. They are raising 3 boys and made a deliberate choice to live in the city. "The Co-op has grown from 6,000 to 11,000 square feet and this type of venture is not appropriate in this neighborhood," Jeffery said. "The objective of the Real Food Co-op is not in sync with the objectives I have for my family." Jan Markarian of Allen St. since 1978 said, she totally supports the Co-op but in an appropriate place. "The Co-op's presence will have a ripple effect on the neighborhood," she said. "The way Real Food Co-op has handled discussions with residents thus far; has been like having a rug pulled out from under your feet." Residents in support of the zoning change including, Peter S. of Allen St., believes the Real Food Co-op will enhance the diversity of the neighborhood by its' presence. Nancy who lives in the Salt spring area reminded everyone of all the activity that surrounded the neighborhood when the Jewish Community Center was across the street from the proposed new site for the Co-op. "The Jewish Center activity never bothered anyone, therefore I think the Co-op would be good for the area also," she said. Dan Sanders and his wife Lynn lived on Fellows Avenue for three years. Both are in support of the Co-op in the proposed location. Their property is next door. "I don't want to see happen to the doctor's office what has happened to the old Jewish Center once it's vacant," said Dan. Namely, they were speaking about Vandalism. "I would like to see a vibrant business instead," he added. Eastside's- Tomorrow Neighborhoods Today (TNT) hosted the meeting. TNT is divided into eight neighborhood groups. The coalition of neighborhoods was created through a city ordinance. "The city ordinance allows residents to share their concerns and grievances on projects that impact their neighborhoods," said Babett Baker, director of TNT. "In the beginning TNT supported Real Food Co-op re location efforts but it has become clear, after previous meetings on the issue that before any final decision is made, residents on Allen St. and Fellows should have ample time to voice their concerns because of their close proximity to the proposed sight." During the meeting, Doug Armstrong made a motion that TNT rescinds its original motion to give support to Real Food Co-op; which it did unanimously. Jay who made the original motion admits to having egg on is face. He is a Co-op member/owner. "I didn't take the time to think the Co-op's move through and what impact it would have," he said. "I am not sure what to do now. I inadvertently put myself on the chopping block. I am trying to build communication but I feel conflicted." Julie a resident of the area asked Jay; - "Did he ever consider that there may be a conflict of interest on his part?" The new motion passed to withdraw the previous motion by TNT by a vote of 14-6 with about 6 abstaining which included Common Councilors from the City of Syracuse. The
next meeting on the zoning issue is scheduled for July 29th, 2010. |