Whole Foods has issued an open letter to the Jamaica Plain community, Fox 25 reports, in the wake of resident concerns that the chain, replacing beloved market Hi-Lo, will alter the fabric of the mixed-income neighborhood. Highlights straight ahead.
Whole Foods basically says the news was “leaked” to the community before they were able to put a positive and reassuring spin on it. They say: “We were enormously disappointed that you were not informed in a more respectful and organized manner.” They go on to promise that they have absolutely “no plans to change the structure of the building or the exterior features that are so important to the community. The mural, the awning and the clock will all remain intact.” Hopefully preservation of these Hi-Lo hallmarks will appease irate JP’ers, some of whom fear that with a Whole Foods in town, the next step is a big, bad, muzak-emitting Starbucks.
Murals. Clocks. Apologies. Fine. But what about high-priced groceries? Not to fret! Whole Foods also implores residents to understand that “our intentions are to be productive and positive members of the JP community and to provide you with high quality food and exceptional customer service at great value.” We read this hopefully, as we indulge once more in our Whole Foods salad bar lunch … which somehow always costs exactly $13.65, no matter how valiantly we offset our tasty falafel patties with arugula.
Whole Foods Writes Open Letter to Jamaica Plain Residents [Fox 25]
Earlier: With Whole Foods Move Looming, Residents Ask: What’s Next, A Starbucks?
