The Chowan County fact sheet regarding the grocery store incentive recently emailed is devoid of basic pertinent facts.
It is time to name names and stop treating the good residents of Chowan County as children. If you earnestly want intelligent opinions on the matter, basic information matters. What is the name of the “grocer” being wooed to come to Edenton for 1 million dollars? If the “grocer” is a second or third tier company accessible within a 30-minute drive to Elizabeth City, Plymouth, or Willamson, then no thanks. This approach adds no value to the area; it simply makes more of the same more convenient. A step-out and step-up from the Food Lion monopoly is what is needed.
Secondly, we hear much about years one to five of the plan that gives approximately $200,000 a year to the “grocer.” What happens in year six and seven should the “grocer” do the math and find that the profit margin is too slim without that generous monetary incentive? Then what? The anchor “grocer” moves out and Chowan County residents are back to the Food Lion monopoly? What are realistic long-term projections?
Placing a name on the yet unnamed grocer and addressing what happens when the $1,000,000 incentive runs out are not details but rather fundamental questions necessary for the residents of Chowan County to intelligently understand the issues.
Respectfully,
Hal Murray is a resident of Edenton
Editor’s NOTE: Yes, that’s an old picture of Hal Murray addressing Edenton Town Council, but it was either post that photo or a boring Letter to the Editor graphic.
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