(Flickr pic by Luis Lopez.)
The No Home Depot Coalition fought the big box chain, and won. Home Depot has officially given up its attempts to take over the old abandoned K-Mart store on San Fernando and Fletcher (above). Write the No Home Depot folks:
"Home Depot has reportedly abandoned its efforts to open another store in Fletcher Square at the old Kmart site. Los Angeles Council District 13 released the information that the leasehold on the old Kmart site ( 3150 San Fernando Rd ), which Home Depot purchased several years ago, is up for sale.
This latest update is welcomed news to the No Home Depot Coalition (NHDC); and many community activists in both the Atwater Village and Glassell Park communities who vigorously protested against Home Depot installing a 3rd store on a four mile stretch of San Fernando Road.
The NHDC continues to believe that a Home Depot in this location is contrary to the spirit and intent of the Northeast Community Plan and the recently adopted Fletcher Square Community Design Overlay. With the lease on the site reportedly for sale the NHDC hopes that community efforts will focus on attracting a development that satisfies the community's desires and needs."
The group was particularly bothered by the fact that Home Depot is already a mile or two north and south of the site on San Fernando -- was another one necessary? Others on Curbed LA point out that the declining house market may have as much to do with Home Depot's retreat than the protests.
As for the site, I know the neighborhood has big dreams: One mock-up illustration suggested a Grove-like structure, complete with chains like The Cheesecake Factory.
But there's a big snag to attracting big name retailers: There's a large sex shop right across the street. Not exactly the most family-friendly of spots!
No comments:
Post a Comment