Editor’s Note: We’ve asked Nicole Watts, Executive Director of Hopeprint, to write guest articles for us on a monthly basis. All of her posts are organized under the “Hopeprint” Category. You can learn about her organization and read more of her writing at hopeprint.org.
When the announcement of Wegmans on Pond Street closing hit the airwaves, it invoked a personal disappointment in my inability to drop by and pick up some bananas and yogurt on that mid week grocery shop. Yet, I knew that its impact on me was nothing compared to many of my friends and neighbors who don’t have cars or easy access to transportation. While practically every corner of our neighborhood is populated with ethnic markets and small grocers that add to the rich ethnic diversity and culture of this neighborhood, these small stores cannot afford bulk pricing.
This means less food for more money.
Produce and meat selections are limited and often times expensive.
Pharmacy options are downsized.
Incidental things like ATMs are now a mile further away.
The list goes on.
As I have watched the response of our Northside neighbors rising up, leaned in to hear to their voices, I have heard loud and clear:
This is a crucial issue to this community.
Yes, to you friends who have asked, “Is this really as big of a deal as the news is making it?” The answer is yes. In walking the streets with a smart phone video camera and asking for people’s response, I was increasingly assured of this. The words that struck me most were, “People live their life from there (the neighborhood grocer).”
A woman from outside of our community shared the other day of her confusion at the weeping women on the news when they spoke of the store closing – “Aren’t you over reacting? It’s just a store.” She continued, “Then it dawned on me, ‘I have a car. I have never known life without one.’”
I must say I am enormously proud to be a Northsider when I watch the passion and investment that this community has. It is far too easy for the passerby to not see and know the rootedness and drive that exist in these streets. I am more convinced than ever that this community has a future and can realize its dreams. The hope and abilities are already so rich here, and when we unite together with one another, networking with our friends from the greater community, imagine the things that can happen… Let’s not stop with a grocery store.
For more on the closing of the Pond St. Wegmans, read this syracuse.com article and watch this video. .
