JPNC Draft Statement to Whole Foods - Neighbors for Neighbors2024-03-29T09:14:25Zhttp://neighborsforneighbors.org/forum/topics/jpnc-draft-statement-to-whole?commentId=1171189%3AComment%3A74444&feed=yes&xn_auth=noAs a homeowner in Hyde Square…tag:neighborsforneighbors.org,2011-05-31:1171189:Comment:744442011-05-31T16:42:00.197ZGretchen Van Nesshttp://neighborsforneighbors.org/profile/GretchenVanNess
<p>As a homeowner in Hyde Square, I am very much looking forward to the changes Whole Foods will bring to JP: 75-100 well-paying jobs, with good benefits like health insurance, stock ownership, and a chance to move up in the company. A grocery store that will bring more options and choices to the neighborhood. A business with a track record of success that is rennovating a dilapidated building and will turn a neglected corner of Hyde Square into a lively and thriving retail district. More…</p>
<p>As a homeowner in Hyde Square, I am very much looking forward to the changes Whole Foods will bring to JP: 75-100 well-paying jobs, with good benefits like health insurance, stock ownership, and a chance to move up in the company. A grocery store that will bring more options and choices to the neighborhood. A business with a track record of success that is rennovating a dilapidated building and will turn a neglected corner of Hyde Square into a lively and thriving retail district. More customers for the existing Hyde Square businesses and more reasons for local business owners and entrepreneurs to take the risk of locating in Hyde Square. Support for community organizations and causes, local suppliers, green ways of doing business.</p>
<p>Imagine we were starting from scratch, with nothing on the table but the news that Hi Lo was closing, If we were looking for a new grocery store to take over the old Hi Lo space, one that shared JP's values and way of doing business, we couldn't do much better than Whole Foods. Thousands of JP residents already shop at Whole Foods. JP will not change simply because we can now walk to the store rather than drive. JP will continue to change, just as it always has, because it is part of a larger economy and world that are also constantly changing. </p> Erin, as a home owner in the…tag:neighborsforneighbors.org,2011-05-31:1171189:Comment:734412011-05-31T14:11:32.624ZLoayhttp://neighborsforneighbors.org/profile/Loay
Erin, as a home owner in the Hyde Square neighborhood I fully concur with your points. The days giant corporations could enter neighborhoods and with their disproportionate financial clout change the lives of the residents of that neighborhood, without being held accountable to that community, must come to an end. I to am proud of JPNC and the other neighborhood organizations.
Erin, as a home owner in the Hyde Square neighborhood I fully concur with your points. The days giant corporations could enter neighborhoods and with their disproportionate financial clout change the lives of the residents of that neighborhood, without being held accountable to that community, must come to an end. I to am proud of JPNC and the other neighborhood organizations. When did the JPNC authorize t…tag:neighborsforneighbors.org,2011-05-27:1171189:Comment:734002011-05-27T13:37:38.873ZGretchen Van Nesshttp://neighborsforneighbors.org/profile/GretchenVanNess
<p>When did the JPNC authorize the Ad Hoc Committee to speak officially to Whole Foods on behalf of our community? </p>
<p>As far as I know, the Council charged the Committee with developing a report to the Council about Whole Foods' potential impact on JP and possible alternatives for the building. Period. As many commenters have pointed out since the Ad Hoc Committee was formed, it is not representative of Jamaica Plain or Hyde Square (for example, a new categgory for Hyde Square…</p>
<p>When did the JPNC authorize the Ad Hoc Committee to speak officially to Whole Foods on behalf of our community? </p>
<p>As far as I know, the Council charged the Committee with developing a report to the Council about Whole Foods' potential impact on JP and possible alternatives for the building. Period. As many commenters have pointed out since the Ad Hoc Committee was formed, it is not representative of Jamaica Plain or Hyde Square (for example, a new categgory for Hyde Square "businesses" was created at one meeting for the sole purpose of allowing Ben Mauer, who is a Whose Foods/Whose Community leader and lives in Roxbury, to serve on the Committee. No notice was given to ANY real Hyde Square business owner that such a category existed, so none had an opportunity to join the Committee).</p>
<p>I urge the JPNC to reject this ultimatum and to direct the Ad Hoc Committee to complete its authorized work. If we want Whole Foods to talk with us and work with us, we need to show that we are willing to talk with them and work with them as well. It's time for the JPNC to lead, not just follow the agenda of a small group of people with an axe to grind.</p> Hi Erin - I firmly believe th…tag:neighborsforneighbors.org,2011-05-27:1171189:Comment:737622011-05-27T11:08:29.250ZRick Stockwoodhttp://neighborsforneighbors.org/profile/RickStockwood
<p>Hi Erin - I firmly believe that these conversations should happen. In fact I would argue that they should happen with each new business - small or large, independently owned or corporations. However they do not. There are standards being applied singularly to this company and in many cases only because people do not like them. My issue with the statement is not the point that everyone should sit around the table and work things out, but it is the tone with which they are demanding. To…</p>
<p>Hi Erin - I firmly believe that these conversations should happen. In fact I would argue that they should happen with each new business - small or large, independently owned or corporations. However they do not. There are standards being applied singularly to this company and in many cases only because people do not like them. My issue with the statement is not the point that everyone should sit around the table and work things out, but it is the tone with which they are demanding. To date Whole Foods has not made a single statement or done anything to make people feel as if we need to be making demands. In fact, there is barely any mention of the over $60K that has been contributed to the area by Whole Foods already, their decision to keep the clock and murals, or the hiring of 20 out of 28 Hi-Lo employees that have sought jobs with the company. And the JPNC and Ad Hoc report drafts do not list a single benefit that Whole Foods will bring to the community. </p>
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<p>It is quite possible to have a civil conversation with Whole Foods and make our case for the things our community would like to see from them. But, if all we do is continue to have conversations, with each other or with businesses that wish to operate here, from a place of distrust then it becomes increasingly difficult to find common ground. My hope is not that Whole Foods arrives here without concessions, but that the JPNC rethinks its lopsided approach in which they are only able to look at the negatives and only deliver them with a tone that sets the stage for another screaming match on June 2nd. </p> It embarrasses me that anyone…tag:neighborsforneighbors.org,2011-05-26:1171189:Comment:733942011-05-26T22:20:20.267ZJason LaGorgahttp://neighborsforneighbors.org/profile/JasonLaGorga
It embarrasses me that anyone might think that this 'statement' is representative of me, as a resident of Hyde Square. There is so much good work being done in our neighborhood and so much more that needs to be done, that it makes me sad to think of the energy and effort squandered on this.
It embarrasses me that anyone might think that this 'statement' is representative of me, as a resident of Hyde Square. There is so much good work being done in our neighborhood and so much more that needs to be done, that it makes me sad to think of the energy and effort squandered on this.