This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Kroger Thumbs Its Nose at Brookhaven

The Kroger in Cherokee Plaza (Peachtree Rd at Colonial Dr) fought hard to avoid zoning compliance, and, a little over a year ago was inexplicably granted 15 variances by the DeKalb County Zoning Board of Appeals. Kroger pledged to continue to work with the community to resolve outstanding issues.

 A couple weeks ago, approximately one month before the planned opening of the expansion of Kroger, representatives of Kroger finally sat down to let a group of concerned neighbors know that they were not doing anything further, and, were not even upholding the requirements imposed by their variances. After months of requests, it was the first time Kroger shared their approved plan. In my mind Kroger has been both arrogant & wholly uncaring.

At stake are three main issues for Brookhaven:

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·         A landscaped island that they propose at the main entrance off Peachtree Road will back traffic onto Peachtree Road with only two vehicles in the narrow entrance (see sketch). This is truly a PUBLIC LIFE/SAFETY HAZARD whose impact at best will be to further snarl traffic, and worse, to trap a southbound left turning car in the path of northbound traffic.

·         Compliance with the size and number of trees: Kroger plans to install trees that are less than half the size of those required, and, 6 fewer trees than the minimum required.

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·         Kroger refuses to widen the Peachtree sidewalk and install landscaping as all other builders in this Overlay zoning area have been required to do. This is far more than an aesthetic issue on Peachtree Rd, it is a public safety issue in an area that is already dangerous for pedestrians and auto traffic.

Further discussions with Kroger after our meeting have been dragged-out and their promises of timely responses broken.

Simply put, regard for traffic and public safety should be utmost in the minds of anyone doing business or wanting to do business in Brookhaven. The ruling of the DeKalb Zoning Board of Appeals exemplifies at least one of the reasons why Brookhaven is now a city. Currently DeKalb County retains authority over the Kroger permits and inspections. The City of Brookhaven is not powerless though.

What can you do as a resident?

Tell Kroger that you’re bothered by their attitude either by phone, email  or stopping by to see Bobby Smith (Store Manager) at 404-240-0808 (robert.smith@stores.kroger.com). Your statement can be as simple as “I wish Kroger would do more to fix this site and store” or as lengthy and articulate as you care to be. Send a clear message to Kroger that to gain the patronage and support this community that they need to do what is right, and, if they don’t, then shop there a little less or not at all.

Let your City Council representatives know that you’re bothered by this and wish they could do whatever they can to help.

If we think as a community, expend a tiny bit of effort, we can send a clear message to all the merchants that want our dollars, that they must respect and support the community too.

Thank You.

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