Black residents reject Trader Joe’s because it would attract too many white people

BizPac Review ^ | February 8, 2014 | Cheryl Carpenter Klimek

[2ndDivisionVet]

The Trader Joe’s grocery chain has withdrawn plans to build a store in the heart of a predominantly black neighborhood after a black leadership group fought the move.

The Portland Development Commission was set to give the grocer a large discount on property that had been vacant for years, pricing it at just over $500,000, down from an appraised value of $2.9 million, according to The Oregonian.

The Portland African American Leadership Forum sent a scathing letter in December to city leaders, saying the plan would price residents out of the area and the group“remains opposed to any development in North/Northeast Portland that does not primarily benefit the black community.”

Trader Joe’s would increase displacement of low-income residents and “increase the desirability of the neighborhood,” for “non-oppressed populations,” PAALF wrote.

“[This decision] reflects the city’s overall track record of implementing policies that serve to uproot, displace and disempower our most vulnerable community members,” the letter said.

Trader Joe’s bowed out amid the controversy.

“We run neighborhood stores, and our approach is simple: If a neighborhood does not want a Trader Joe’s, we understand, and we won’t open the store in question,” a company spokesperson said in a statement to The Oregonian.

But not everyone is happy about the outcome.

“There are no winners today,” Adam Milne, owner of Old Town Brewing Co., told The Oregonian. “Only missed tax revenue, lost jobs, less foot traffic, an empty lot and a boulevard still struggling to support its local small businesses.”

[piytar]

The residents I that area by and large support their community organizers, so I see no distinction.

[GGpaX4DumpedTea]

Let um’ lie in their on dung.

[gaijin]

“The hood is a FOOD DESERT..! Since grocery stores won’t locate in the hood we are victims and you are forcing us to eat only Fast Food...!”

“Sheesh, ok, wow. That’s bad. Ya want a Trader Joe’s..?”

“That will IMPROVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD...!” (super angry face)

(confused guy walks away)

[skinkinthegrass]

fine, stay in your rat-infested, drug-ridden gettos,
it's your community..you built it, now stay there.
no community grants subsidies/$$$$, if you don't want a hand-up..

[dfwgator]

You cannot control happy, contented people.

Or Shiny, Happy People.

[hinckley buzzard]

Don't want them Black folks gettin' decent jobs, nosiree, next thing you know they be votin' republican. Can't have that, Massa won't allow it.

[SamAdams76]

This would be hilarious if not so sad. I suppose they would not take issue with more Popeye’s Fried Chicken joints, 7-11s, and those usurious check cashing outlets in their neighborhood. The black leaders would rather reinforce stereotypes and keep their people down so they can keep control over them.

[dowcaet]

And then in the future that community will complain about the lack of variety of retail, grocery, and restaurant options in their area.

[hinckley buzzard]

I know a man who is a pharmacist and ran a chain drugstore in a low income section of town. He was held up at gunpoint about every two months, for drugs and money, and his own employees stole about 3 thousand dollars worth of goods--every week. He got tired if pistols at his neck, finally called it quits, and the chain closed the store. Mighty were the howls of the race-baiters about "the people not being served.."

[Iron Munro]

The true test of knowing you're welcomed in a community is by counting the shoppers who walk through your door.

That's what Walmart learned. The ‘leaders’ didn't want them - but the people who lived around their stores loved getting good value for their dollars.

Vilified By Some, Walmart Is Welcome presence In Struggling Midtown

"For months, as protesters across America have accused the retailer of ruining their communities, the residents of Midtown have thanked God because they believe the company rescued theirs. They speak of Walmart in reverential terms, like a generous relative who showed up to offer help in a dark hour.

And the community has good reason to feel that way. The Walmart Neighborhood Market — scheduled to open Wednesday — will employ 105 people. Hundreds of locals without cars will no longer have to take buses or cabs to the nearest large grocer 2 miles away. Residents will stop having to buy milk at $5 a gallon from convenience stores that locals say raised prices after Sweetbay closed. (The Walmart will sell gallons of milk for less than $3.50.)"

[dowcaet]

The Portland African American Leadership Forum sent a scathing letter in December to city leaders, saying the plan would price residents out of the area and the group“remains opposed to any development in North/Northeast Portland that does not primarily benefit the black community.”

Then I guess they need to open up a couple dozen more liquor stores that sell limited and overpriced food and drink, especially booze, but as long as it benefits the black community all is well, right?

[ScottinVA]

The agitators demand Blackistan remain Blackistan for all time. Neighborhood improvements and businesses aren’t welcome, because that will eliminate the opportunity to bitch about no
neighborhood improvements and businesses.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Can’t let ‘em have too much exposure to the white man’s ways - they might learn there are better ways to live and not need their sham “leaders” to show them around any more.....

[Chgogal]

OK, whatever.

[publius911]

I'm speechless.
Such blatantly racist and low-expectations outrage can only be explained by emulating the example of leadership of our first Great Racial Divider.

[SamAdams76]

Then I guess they need to open up a couple dozen more liquor stores that sell limited and overpriced food and drink, especially booze, but as long as it benefits the black community all is well, right?

Don't forget the "payday loan/check cashing" joints and the pawn shops that are usually next door to them. We all know how beneficial these rackets have been for the welfare of the black community. God forbid we racists should push some those predatory businesses aside to make room for a grocery store that might provide some quality jobs so that some of these people can get their stuff in the pawn shop out of hock.

[MeshugeMikey]

[right way right]

Same reason there will never be a cure for cancer.
Especially now with Obama care.

[RobbyS]

The” food desert” appears because a food store with a full range of foods does not suit the taste of the locals.