Yesterday's (6 Feb 2008) Saratogian reported that the downtown Pricechopper on Railroad Place may soon becom a thing of the past.

While no definitive word on the potential buyer of the property has been released, the "usual suspects" (Sonny Bonacio, Roohan Realty) are mentioned. One can only presume that we will lose a vital piece of the local economy that supports the notion of a walkable city to yet another residential/boutique urban pod that will extend Railroad Canyon further north. While the increased density afforded by additional housing may be in line with New Urbanism, the prospect that downtown residents will now almost have to use mechanized transportation (at least we have bus service to grocery stores now) to make their food purchases.

This rumored land sale and closing of the Pricechopper seems to fly in the face of Pricechopper's signature line on involvement in the community: "We're Not Just in Your Neighborhood, We're Your Neighbor." Soon, neither criterion may hold true.

One local community member has already spoken out on this subject in the Saratogian. Perhaps more of us will feel inclined to follow suit. You can contact Pricechopper here.

Here is the text from my letter to Pricechopper:

I implore you to reconsider the possible sale and closing of the Pricechopper store on Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. This community store is the only full-service and budget-friendly grocer in downtown Saratoga Springs. This store is within easy walking and biking distance to senior centers, existing low-income housing, hotels, businesses, and newly-constructed condominiums (less than 1/4 mile away). Loss of the store would both impoverish the community and result in loss of service to many residents and visitors who may not have access to mechanized transportation that would be required to shop at the next closest grocery store.

While I realize that as a corporation you must strive to maximize return on investment, I also feel that Pricechopper has, in the past, had a commitment to the very community that it serves. This has been exemplified time and again by the Golub's generosity to charity and community.

Please take into account the fate of the downtown community when considering the sale of the downtown Pricechopper. While it is hard to put a price tag on such matters, it is harder to imagine Saratoga Springs without a grocery store within walking distance of its residential and commercial centers.