The Edgewood Civic Association

[Serving Edgewood and Eckington Communities since 1953]

P.O. BOX 92168

Washington, DC 20090- 2178

Website:  theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org

February 2, 2010

 

“Letter of Petition”

Re. Intent to Close the Safeway Store No. 271

 

Attn:  Mr. Craig Muckle

            Safeway Corporation

 

On behalf of the Edgewood Civic Association (ECA), I am writing to express our memberships concern over alleged reports that Safeway plans to close the store located at Fourth Street and Rhode Island Avenue.

 

The loss of a full-service grocery store with reasonable prices at that location would represent a significant hardship to the residents of Edgewood, Eckington and the surrounding neighborhoods.  The residents in our community have been loyal Safeway customers for many years not only because of proximity, but because its affordability and the ease of one-stop shopping.

 

It goes without saying that closure of this location would cause a devastating blow to our already underserved community and in particular to the many residents who lack reliable personal transportation—a significant number being senior citizens.

 

Prior to hearing what I can only hope to be erroneous rumors about plans to close the Safeway at Fourth Street and Rhode Island Avenue, I planned to engage you in a discussion about facility and service upgrades at that location. I hope that we can still meet in the near future to seek clarity on the “closure question” and begin a dialogue about bringing this store up to the same level of standards as other Safeway outlets in the District of Columbia.

 

The ECA looks forward to hearing from you on this very important matter.  For questions and/or concerns related to this “Letter of Petition,” contact me on 202-526-1187.

 

Sincerely,

 

Michael D. Clark, Sr.

Michael D. Clark, Sr.

President

 

Cc:  ECA Board Members

         Donna Maxwell, Safe Corporation

         Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. and Kwame Brown

         Marshall Phillips, Commissioner–ANC5C08; Anita Bonds, Chair, ANC-5C       

         Kimberly A. Clark, Property Manager, Vanguard