Giant Eagle closing may leave gap in N. Oakland

As sorry as people are to see the North Oakland neighborhood's only grocery store permanently close Wednesday, they are more disappointed the property considered the heart of the business district will be vacant.

The independently owned Giant Eagle at 4612 Centre Ave., bordering the Hill District, is going out of business because the store was not profitable, owner Bill Bricker said in a statement.

"That intersection is pivotal to that whole (Baum-Centre) corridor, and future development could be deterred if that corner is blighted," said Councilman Bill Peduto, who represents the district. "Whatever we do, we have to do it right."

"Our big fear is, with the Giant Eagle gone, will that in turn hurt the other businesses• Will we see our dry cleaner gone because of the loss of traffic?" said Dan Rossi, president of the Bellefield Area Citizens Association. "It's going to look blighted just having a closed-up store looking empty."

Vacant buildings attract crime, he said. The group hopes to work with the property manager, Echo Real Estate Services, to redevelop the property with businesses the area needs and wants, he said.

Giant Eagle spokesman Dan Donovan said Echo officials told the retail chain that they "continue to evaluate potential opportunities for the space but have no plans for the property at this time."

Rossi and Peduto said Echo had plans for a mixed-use center of retail space topped by residential units and possibly offices. Echo recently told them that plan no longer is feasible because of increasing steel and construction costs, they said.

Even without a redevelopment plan, Peduto said the grocery store should be torn down to prevent blight.

The area does not need another bar, more dormitory-style student housing or gas stations, Rossi said.

The Bellefield Area Citizens Association formed in 1974 to fight plans for a disco. The club opened briefly but did not get a liquor license, according to Rossi.

Many area residents are elderly, disabled or in school -- people who do not have cars or drive. An area pharmacy has been carrying more groceries, and a discount store plans to do the same, Rossi said.

Rossi said he does not expect the property to be leased to a Giant Eagle competitor. Giant Eagle said there are six of its corporate-owned stores within 3 miles of the store that is closing.