Whole Foods Market is expected to open its new store at Kingsley Square Shopping Center next spring. With that grand opening, the value of homeowners’ associations is, once more, made very clear.
Jerry Nagid, president of Merriman Park Estates Homeowners Association, and Larry Sears, president of Merriman Park North Homeowners Association, decided to take matters into their own hands after several months of unsuccessful negotiations among Kroger, Whole Foods Market and the owner of Kingsley Square.
Sears contacted the owners of Kingsley Square in May to express support for the efforts of Whole Foods Market. Citing previous problems at the center and the importance of leasing to businesses which are compatible with the surrounding community, Sears offered the assistance of his neighbors and the association. Similar letters were sent to the leasing agent and officers of Whole Foods Market.
In early June, he and his neighbors challenged Kroger to do what is “right” for our community and negotiate in good faith so the shopping center could once again have an anchor tenant which was an asset to Lake Highlands.
In early June, Jerry Nagid, representing Merriman Park Estates, joined in the efforts. His neighborhood association asked the leasing agent and Kroger to make a greater effort to come to agreement with Whole Foods Market.
The two associations then initiated a telephone campaign to “get Kroger’s attention.” Flyers distributed to both neighborhoods urged all to call and encourage Kroger to negotiate further. During the month of July, hundreds of phone calls were made and there is no question that the message was heard.
In August, Whole Foods Market announced the successful negotiation of a lease for a new grocery store at Kingsley Square. If you ever doubted the impact that average citizens can have, this should remove them.
A tremendous thank you to Larry, Jerry and all the average citizens who refused to take no for an answer. All of your neighbors appreciate your efforts and look forward to visiting at the produce aisle at Whole Foods Market.
