ARTICLE
Grocer’s Revised Plan Improves Traffic, Saves Trees and Preserves Landscape WESTERVILLE, OH (Feb. 28, 2017) — The Kroger Co. is responding to concerns of community members with its latest plan to develop a Marketplace store at 3835 Secor Rd. A significant amount of attention has gone into preparing a new plan that is complimentary to the surrounding neighborhood, while also preserving much of the landscape, including nearly 100 trees, which residents of the area have come to appreciate. Kroger is committed to investing $26 million to provide its Toledo customers with the best possible offerings. The new larger-format store would replace the company’s current store at 4533 Monroe St. Development of the 18.7 acre-site currently owned by the Sisters of Notre Dame, is contingent upon Toledo City Council approval. On Wednesday, March 15, Kroger will present to council’s zoning and planning committee details of the company’s new plan for the property, which designates 36 percent of the site to remain as undeveloped green space. Additionally, Kroger is requesting a planned use development for the site, which would prohibit any significant changes to the plan without first obtaining city council approval. The company must also secure a zone change from single dwelling residential to regional commercial. “It’s important for the Toledo community to know that this proposal is the result of years of dialogue: We’ve heard you.” said Lindsey Taylor, real estate manager for Kroger’s Columbus Division. “Kroger entered into a contract with the Sisters of Notre Dame in December 2014 to purchase the property, contingent on receiving the necessary approvals. The plan has elicited questions from neighbors, community leaders and elected officials. As a good corporate citizen, Kroger feels it’s important to be transparent, present the facts and respect the community’s connection the property.” THE LOCATION CHOICE: The 18.7 acre site would accommodate the 123,455 Marketplace footprint The property is 0.2 miles from the current location, which would allow Kroger to expand in the neighborhood it serves The proposed development is in character with the retail corridor, and would complement the area (see enclosed land use map) Kroger is unable to expand at its current location due to the adjacent retailer’s (Best Buy) extensive lease term (Tomahawk Development) The former Food Town site on Secor Road: Investors are under contract to purchase the site, and bring in two national retailers (Prime Retail Advisors) The Rite Aid site at 3911 Secor Rd. is less than four acres, which is too small to accommodate Kroger’s proposed footprint The Anderson’s property on Talmadge Road is 1.3 miles from Kroger’s existing store, relocating would abandon current customer base, including many who travel from downtown Toledo REVISED SITE PLAN: Responding to the community’s appeal to preserve the natural beauty of the property, the revised plan retains 2.24 acres prime retail development as green space Approximately 3 acres of natural landscape will remain in the front of the property Within the open space, approximately 36 trees will be preserved including the 150-year-old American Sycamore, a grove of large maples, an oak tree and spruce More than 60 trees along I-475 will be preserved The size of the storm water management area on the east side of the property was reduced by 0.3 acres, in an effort to preserve additional trees along the south side of the site ClickList, Kroger’s exclusive-online grocery ordering service was added The existing sidewalk, which has been deemed unsafe, along Monroe Street will be replaced to encourage community use Kroger is filing a planned unit development, which prohibits the company from making any significant changes to the site plan without the approval of Toledo City Council TRAFFIC: A traffic study, completed by Mannik Smith Group found that development of the new Kroger would add approximately 250 new vehicles to the traffic network The mere traffic increase of 1-2 percent would be mitigated by a series of roadway improvements funded by Kroger Kroger’s $500,000 commitment will allow for the following: Construction of a new traffic signal at main entrance along Monroe Street Signal at Secor Road and Monroe Street would be modified with improved timing and phasing, which would better facilitate the left turn movements Monroe Street would be restriped to provide duel left turn lanes on to Secor; This would allow for shorter vehicular queue and reduced vehicular delays on Monroe A right turn lane will be installed on Secor for the Kroger right in/right out entrance. THE NEED: Kroger has outgrown its current facility, constructed in 1984 In order to stay competitive with current and future retailers in the area, Kroger needs to be able to provide the products customers want in a facility and site that can accommodate them The limited space and heavy customer traffic put significant restraints on product selection and overall customer experience The parking and circulation of the site do not allow for safe vehicular or pedestrian movement Kroger customers want it (see below customer comments from Feb. 2017): “So crowded – store needs to expand” “If this store was converted into a Market store it would be much better” “This store needs to be larger. The store itself needs to be renovated.” “Parking is always an issue” CURRENT LOCATION: The store has undergone five remodels, most recently in 2013 In 2004, the store was expanded by approximately 20,000 square feet Further expanding the store is not a feasible option as adjacent retailer is unwilling to relocate Kroger has obtained a Letter of Intent from an interested buyer, pending the successful relocation of the store JOBS: Kroger currently employs 210 associates at the Monroe Street location Approximately 125 new associates would be hired to staff the Marketplace store Kroger associates are represented by UFCW Local 19 and 75 Approximately 110 skilled-tradesman would be hired to construct the store Kroger is an Ohio-based retailer with a strong history in Toledo. The grocer opened its first store in the city in 1923. Today, Kroger operates seven stores within the Toledo city limits, employing nearly 1,200 associates. Additionally, Kroger supports organizations and causes our customers tell us are important, including the Toledo Zoo, the Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, and hundreds of schools and non-profit organizations through Kroger Community Rewards. Media Contact: Jennifer Jarrell, 614-898-3233, jennifer.jarrell@kroger.com
Grocer’s Revised Plan Improves Traffic, Saves Trees and Preserves Landscape WESTERVILLE, OH (Feb. 28, 2017) — The Kroger Co. is responding to concerns of community members with its latest plan to develop a Marketplace store at 3835 Secor Rd. A significant amount of attention has gone into preparing a new plan that is complimentary to the surrounding neighborhood, while also preserving much of the landscape, including nearly 100 trees, which residents of the area have come to appreciate. Kroger is committed to investing $26 million to provide its Toledo customers with the best possible offerings. The new larger-format store would replace the company’s current store at 4533 Monroe St. Development of the 18.7 acre-site currently owned by the Sisters of Notre Dame, is contingent upon Toledo City Council approval. On Wednesday, March 15, Kroger will present to council’s zoning and planning committee details of the company’s new plan for the property, which designates 36 percent of the site to remain as undeveloped green space. Additionally, Kroger is requesting a planned use development for the site, which would prohibit any significant changes to the plan without first obtaining city council approval. The company must also secure a zone change from single dwelling residential to regional commercial. “It’s important for the Toledo community to know that this proposal is the result of years of dialogue: We’ve heard you.” said Lindsey Taylor, real estate manager for Kroger’s Columbus Division. “Kroger entered into a contract with the Sisters of Notre Dame in December 2014 to purchase the property, contingent on receiving the necessary approvals. The plan has elicited questions from neighbors, community leaders and elected officials. As a good corporate citizen, Kroger feels it’s important to be transparent, present the facts and respect the community’s connection the property.” THE LOCATION CHOICE:
The Anderson’s property on Talmadge Road is 1.3 miles from Kroger’s existing store, relocating would abandon current customer base, including many who travel from downtown Toledo REVISED SITE PLAN:
TRAFFIC:
THE NEED:
CURRENT LOCATION:
JOBS:
Kroger is an Ohio-based retailer with a strong history in Toledo. The grocer opened its first store in the city in 1923. Today, Kroger operates seven stores within the Toledo city limits, employing nearly 1,200 associates. Additionally, Kroger supports organizations and causes our customers tell us are important, including the Toledo Zoo, the Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, and hundreds of schools and non-profit organizations through Kroger Community Rewards. Media Contact: Jennifer Jarrell, 614-898-3233, jennifer.jarrell@kroger.com