Landlord to Pause Eviction Proceedings Against Community-Backed Supermarket in Washington Heights
Outpouring of Community Support Causes Landlord to Come to Negotiating Table as Residents Turn Out in Hundreds to Keep Associated Supermarket in Place
New York, NY -- The landlord of the building housing the Associated Supermarket on 187th Street and Fort Washington, Benenson Capital Partners LLC, on Friday announced that they would seek a stay on their on-going eviction proceedings in order to negotiate in good faith with the community-supported store. Associated Supermarket, which has served the Fort Washington community in Washington Heights for decades, has been a focal point of positive neighborhood activism as residents have rallied to prevent its closing after plans were announced that the landlords aimed to replace it with a Walgreens Pharmacy, even though there is a locally owned drug store across the street.
"This is welcome news for a community on edge about where they will shop for fresh produce if associated is forced out," said
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez
, who represents the area. "The support shown for this store has been outstanding, demonstrating the true power of a community organized behind a common cause. We will continue to make the point to the landlord and to Walgreens that keeping Associated in place is a priority and we will not be deterred. We hope they will recognize this fact and negotiate a solution where all parties are satisfied and where the community's primary source of food is spared from eviction."
Nearly 300 local residents poured out to a rally to save the store organized by Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Senator Adriano Espaillat and attended by citywide elected officials including Public Advocate Letitia James, the Office of NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer. Manhattan Community Board 12 and the Hudson Heights Owners Coalition combined efforts to collect close to 3,000 signatures on a petition in the week the news was announced that Associated could be forced to close its doors.
Last Tuesday, February 2nd, hundreds of residents attended a community hearing organized by Council Member Rodriguez, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Member Mark Levine, Community Board 12 and other elected officials, to stand in opposition to the eviction and closure of Associated to make way for a Walgreens, citing the far trips to the next closest supermarket; their strong preference for a locally owned pharmacy over a national chain; and the need to support businesses with strong roots in the area.
Benenson Capital Partners LLC says they will file their motion for a stay of eviction in the upcoming hearing on the morning of Tuesday, February 9th at 111 Centre Street.
