Steven Huyser-Honig

I've learned from 30 years living in this neighborhood that new development in the end make a positive contribution. There used to be a grocery and pharmacy on the land now occupied by Walgreens. We were upset when the grocery moved out and sceptical of having Walgreens move in, but they've proven to be a positive presence in the neighborhood. Similarly we were upset when Kingmas closed and sceptical of having a gas station open on that site. But we've come to rely on the convienience of both the gas station and the Subway. In both cases I still miss the more neighborly feel of the small locally owned businesses that used to exist on these sites. But clearly they weren't able to make a living any more in those locations. The profitable businesses that have replaced them offer needed services and employment, and are much to be preferred over empty storefronts. The current project does not even displace a current business. It replaces a ramshackle group of buildings that have been an eyesore for many, many, years. I think it will be a net positive. Don't like the blank wall facing Kalamazoo? It would be interesting to see if Family dollar would be open to a dialogue about turning it into a green wall or perhaps a mural. Fretting about the big triangle of wasted grass? Perhaps they'd be open to working with neighborhood on an edible lanscaping plan. Or turning it into a pocket park. I'm not overly optimistic that they would be open to such an overture. But it is worth a try.