JACKSON, Mich. (WILX) – In a unanimous vote, the Jackson City Council approved plans to purchase 1.5 acres of land from Consumers Energy to create a new grocery store for south side residents.
They plan to combine the land with a city-owned lot adjacent to the property, creating a 5.1-acre site for the development.
On the corner of Cooper and Biddle streets in Jackson, not much is going on right now.
“It’s kind of like this no man’s area anyway,” said Eltoine Hawkins, a Jackson resident.
That’s a problem for many people like Hawkins who live nearby. There aren’t many options to buy groceries in the area.
“The access to grocery stores is very, very limited,” Hawkins said. “And they try to accommodate it by having like produce in the Dollar Generals and stuff like that but it’s just not the same.”
To combat this issue, Consumers Energy has partnered with the city of Jackson on plans to create a grocery store in the area, bringing fresh, quality produce right into south Jackson.
“Jackson certainly has ample grocery stores, but they’re not really convenient to this particular neighborhood,” said Brian Wheeler, spokesperson for Consumers Energy. “And so, we think this is going to meet a need in the community. We’re hearing that directly, not just from community leaders, but from the people who live there.”
James Shotwell is the owner of Miller Shoe Parlor in downtown Jackson. The store has been around since 1912 and has seen the city go through many changes.
Shotwell says a project like this not only provides access to groceries but will also increase foot traffic.
“I think a grocery store would be a real asset down here,” Shotwell said. “It’s gonna give you what’s called critical mass, when you’re shopping. And if you have an opportunity to get things that you need in one place. Then you think, well I can go there and shop, versus destination shopping.”
Wheeler says the whole point is convenience.
“It’s convenience above all else,” Wheeler said. “You can imagine if someone doesn’t have access to a vehicle for example, having to get a taxi or an Uber to get to a grocery store is an extra expense and not so convenient.”
Jackson County officials are working to bring more food options to the area. Right now, they’re working with a nonprofit to turn part of the old Jackson State Prison into a farmers market.
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Dining and Cooking