Letter to the Editor: Kroger Would be Welcome to Fill Long-Empty Site

This letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch by Royal Oak resident Mike Byrne:

Dear Jim Ellison and Royal Oak City Commissioners,

In reading The Daily Tribune and the Royal Oak Patch I came across articles regarding a protest by a small minority of citizens followed by two supermarkets regarding the Kroger inquiry into a new location at the former Fresard dealership. 

I would more than welcome the Kroger store, at what has become an eyesore.

I seems to me the loss of the Oakridge Market (at what is now the Emagine Theater complex) met with a large segment bemoaning the loss of that supermarket several years back.  I personally felt that it was a loss, especially for the Seniors that were in our downtown highrises and residences.  

I am very disappointed that that a commissioner supports this small minority who does not seem to have the concern for the health of a downtown community at heart.  However, that is his right.

The choice of Hollywood and Holiday Markets to back this protest is extremely confusing since most smart retailers know that close proximity to competitors is best for business.  Look at the super retailers of Walgreen's, CVS and Rite Aid, all clustered in the 12 Mile & Main.  Experience has shown them that placing their store close is for good reason, and these stores all do a good business there, and it isn't at the expense of the residential community.

To lose a Kroger's tax base is not a healthy outlook.  Where else in Royal Oak could or would they go?    

And to "Preserve Royal Oak" and Sandra Wilkins, where were they when Holiday Market expanded into a mega supermarket?  And was that bad, I think not.  It help expand that area of Royal Oak

It seems to me, that a supermarket would help the the Main North Condominiums fill it's now empty storefronts and help develop the north end of Main.  At this point my impression is that north of the Main Theatre the Main Street is not the vibrant Royal Oak that is south.  And it now has at least twomajor empty buildings.

Is Sandra Wilkins and Preserve Royal Oak ready to make up the tax base that Royal Oak lost when Fresard left? 

– Mike Byrne, Royal Oak

The viewpoints in this letter are those of the writer, and Patch is not responsible for any ideas portrayed as facts. For questions and clarifications, please leave a comment below or contact Associate Regional Editor Beth Valone at Beth.Valone@patch.com.