Leaders said they will update community members about their latest talks with Kroger and possible solutions.
Prior to the meeting, here is what we know about Kroger’s closure:
1. Kroger will close on Tuesday, March 4
More: South Springfield now a food desert with Kroger closing, health district says
Kroger announced on Jan. 31 they would be closing the South Limestone location. The company said in a statement the closure was a part of the company’s Restock Kroger plan.
“As part of the Restock Kroger plan, the company will utilize more of its capital to fund technology and infrastructure upgrades to provide its customers with a seamless shopping experience by accelerating digital growth in the region,” the statement said.
Kroger employs 69 associates at their South Limestone location, the statement.
“All associates will given the opportunity to transfer to another location,” the statement said.
2. The city did not know Kroger had plans to close the store
In a statement last week, Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland said in his conversations with Kroger officials about improving the store, “they always assured me that they at least had no plans to close this store.”
“We in Springfield City Government are sorely disappointed that Kroger has made the unfortunate decision to withdraw from an area of our community that has so loyally patronized its services, particularly one year after shuttering its location on the north side of the city at Home Road,” Copeland said.
3. Residents are upset
More: Springfield residents fighting back after Kroger announces closure
Life-long Springfield resident Stephen Massey said he blindsided by the news of the store closing.
“I was devastated. I grew up right there on West Southern - so walking distance to the store,” Massey said. “This is way more than just 2020 and the store leaving, this can affect generation to come.”
The day after the news broke, Massey said he “got busy.”
He started an online petition and in less than a week he’s already gathered 1,300 signatures and more than 400 comment about how the store’s closure would affect people.
“I wanted to make sure some voices were heard,” Massey said.
Massey said he plans to present the petition to the city and community leaders at the forum on February 18.
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