Cincinnati, Kroger working to keep Walnut Hills store

Cincinnati City Manager Milton Dohoney Jr. agrees with Councilmember Laketa Cole that the residents of Walnut Hills deserve access to quality food.

"The Administration recognizes the critical need for healthy food choices within Cincinnati’s neighborhoods and encourages the cooperative efforts of those involved in making decisions that affect these choices," Dohoney writes in a recent report to City Council.

Earlier this year, Kroger announced plans to close its store at 954 E McMillan Street (BIRD'S EYE) unless it can negotiate a more favorable lease with the property's owner.

Kroger, which both leases the building and pays rent on the land, has reported operating losses at the Walnut Hills location for the last several years.

City Administration has actively discussed the future of the store with Kroger's vice president of operations for the Cincinnati/Dayton Division.

The company has stated publicly its desire to keep the store open beyond their lease agreement and has been meeting with the building owner to reduce the rent cost and to shorten the lease term.

"Kroger will then focus on instore improvements including modernization through tenant improvements and evaluating food choices and general product mix based on customer demand," Dohoney writes.

The City has targeted expenditures of over $1,000,000 by fall 2009 to make the area around Peebles Corner more inviting, including:

* Streetscape improvements
* Business district acquisition and redevelopment
* Façade improvements
* Parking lot enhancements
* Community park improvements
* Historic building renovation

"This City funding will improve the public spaces and commercial environment around the Kroger store," Dohoney writes.

Kroger has not asked for any City assistance in keeping the location.

Their lease expires in February 2009.

Previous reading on BC:
Cole: Walnut Hills residents need access to quality food, too (3/31/08)