I don’t really have a whole lot to report on the meeting. It was actually what I worried it would become, more of a bitch-fest against “gentrification”, though that term was not used. Here’s my notes and thoughts on the whole thing.
The city council was represented, as was Feldco (the developer that owns Eagle Square), the city (through the director of planning), and Shaws (though Supervalue, the company that owns Shaws, was not). The councilwoman who represents that ward was very much upset with Shaws for pulling out of this and would like to work with the community, the developer, and Supervalue (who has full control over the lease of the property) to get something there that the people want.
Thus, the discussion tended to stay towards what we want to see there. Different options were tossed around. The councilwoman mentioned Trader Joe’s (which is a hot topic around here, but would be ideal). Other thoughts were a flea market, though one does exist only about a block away, an indoor mini-amusement park (like something in, I think, Seekonk), though I don’t see that going over so well, an indoor open market similar to Reading Terminal in Philadelphia or some market in Boston (Hay Market or Quincy Market). I am not sure about any of those because for it to succeed, it would have to draw people at least 6 days a week. Most flea markets are only open on the weekends and a lot of these open markets in other cities only have limited hours, such as weekends only. If whatever goes in this space is not open at least 6 days a week, the other stores in the complex will suffer.
Because Supervalue has full control, I have no doubt in my mind that whatever goes there will be something that benefits them as they will likely be taking a loss on the rent. I do hope it will be something worthwhile. I would like to see some sort of market, whether or not it’s a supermarket, I am still somewhat undecided. I would like to be able to get my groceries closer to home, but if I can get fresher produce, baked goods, deli meats, and cheeses, that would be great too.
thanks for posting this info. we moved here last year and live not too far from Eagle square. returned from a summer vacation and found it closed. we worried about it signalling a downturn for the neighborhood. Trader Joe’s would be great as would a full-service grocery store. What was the outcome of the meeting? will they decide soon so that the rest of the businesses can survive? will the community have a chance to comment again? Again, thanks for this community info- really appreciate it! Tricia
I didn’t feel the meeting really resulted in a whole lot of usefulness. The main ideas for the space being tossed around were some sort of open market, similar to Haymarket and Quincy Market in Boston or Reading Terminal Market in Philly. Unfortunately, these markets don’t do a whole lot of business for the majority of days during the week. Haymarket is only open on weekends and Reading Terminal does most of its business at the beginning of the week right after they stock (Tuesdays, I think). The shopping center needs something that will keep people going 7 days a week. If something can’t do that, it shouldn’t go there.
There is a lot of talk about this on UrbanPlanet. I recommend reading through some of that. http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/Grocery-stores-Greater-P-t36915.html
The best idea in my opinion would be splitting it into 2 smaller spaces. Have something like maybe a Trader Joe’s and perhaps a grocery store like an IGA (Dave’s in Warwick, I think, is an IGA). IGA sells local brands and locally grown produce whenever possible.