The doors at the Wal-Mart in Tangerine Plaza are closed now and everyone who live nearby have one pressing question -- what’s next?
- Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market left Tangerine Plaza in St. Pete
- City leaders heard input from the community as to what they want to replace it
- No timetable for when that replacement will open
It’s a question Robin Cooper asked leaders at a community meeting Thursday night. “I would like to see another grocery store that offers a lot of products including fresh produce and meat. Perhaps a discount store because we are in a low-income area,” She said.
It’s an area on 22nd Street South and 18th Avenue South that’s seen its fair share of big box stores.
“I was glad the Wal-Mart was here. I was glad the Sweetbay was here when I moved to this property. They closed and I was thrilled that Wal-Mart opened because if I’m going to do any real super shopping, I have to take the bus and get my son to help me,” Cooper said.
A few weeks ago Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market announced they were packing up and leaving Tangerine plaza abruptly. Residents said it’s a lot like Sweetbay did when they left. The move has people who live in this area asking leaders to find the right fit.
Mayor Rick Kriseman says he hears them loud and clear.
“If I’m a member of the community I’m saying you, whether it’s the city or the business community, you keep making us promises and you’re not really delivering. You’re giving us window dressing that looks good for a year or two and it’s gone and that’s not what this community needs. They need thoughtful long-term solutions,” Kriseman said.
That’s exactly what leaders and members of the community discussed at thie meeting. People who attended talked and learned about everything from market statistics, income and supply versus demand in this area.
Some residents offered reasons why businesses here have failed, while others offered solutions, both temporary and long-term.
“If I had to suggest something, what I would say would be lets downsize it," said resident Kiiambu Mudada. "We don’t need a major supermarket. But we do need a grocery store. And lets not get a big organization like Wal-Mart that can just leave at the drop of a dime and don’t lose anything. We want someone that’s going to be invested in the community.”
One of the answers to the most asked question of the night is no. There’s no timetable of when a new store will open up shop in the plaza. The mayor said there want to hear from the community more and they don’t plan to rush this process and get it wrong.
The mayor also said Wal-Mart still has the lease to the space. So before they make any major moves or decisions, they have to gain ownership of the lease. That's something they’re hoping to do in the next month.