City leaders fighting to keep Publix at Gateway Town Center

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville city leaders say they're working to make sure a community in need doesn't lose one of the few options they  have to buy groceries.

Action News Jax first told you last week about the Publix on Norwood Avenue, in the Gateway Town Center, planning to close its doors on Dec. 28.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole spoke to the two Jacksonville City Council members who represent the neighbors who would be affected by this change, Councilman Reggie Gaffney of District 7 and Councilwoman Ju'Coby Pittman of District 8.

Gaffney told Cole it would be a "crisis" for the community if this Publix closed its doors.

And here's why: The two other options neighbors have is a Save-A-Lot, which is a 23-minute walk from the Gateway Town Center and a Harvey's/Winn Dixie which is an 18-minute walk from the Gateway Town Center.

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"They really need to leave Publix here," Bertram Alford told Cole. Alford says he shops at the Publix at Gateway Town Center just about every day.

"It's vital to me to be here, because like I said, it's too far for me to walk to any other store that's around," Alford said.

And after two decades Publix says, "While it is always a difficult decision to make, we've decided to close this store by the end of 2019."

But Jacksonville City Council members Reggie Gaffney and Ju'Coby Pittman say they're determined not to let that happen.

They represent the neighbors who would be affected by this closure.

"Gateway made a commitment to me that, 'Councilman Gaffney, we'll do anything we can, because we know the need in that community.' So saying that Courtney, I don't think it's over with yet," said Gaffney.

"I am on the front line and I will fight along with my council members as well as the Mayor's Office. I think they're ready to stand," Pittman said.

In a statement from Publix, they told me in part, "There are a number of factors that go into determining whether we will pursue a lease extension or renewal."

When Cole asked for the factors that played a role with this specific location, they weren't able to give her details.

Gaffney and Pittman said they've been in talks since last week with Publix and the owner of Gateway Town Center, to find a way to keep it there.

Alford says he thinks everyone needs to get involved in the process.

"I think as a collective group in this neighborhood, we should all get together and fight to keep Publix here."

Cole: "Why do you think Publix may feel like this hasn't been successful?"

Pittman: "I wouldn't say it hasn't been successful. I think it's a lease issue."

Gaffney said the Publix pays about $19,000 a month to lease the space.

"The city is willing to bring some resources to the table," said Gaffney.

He told Cole the city has about $2 million to $3M million set aside to help.

Pittman also worries what this could mean for investment in this part of town.

"Although JTA has spent a lot of money in this particular mall to make sure that families can come and shop in this community. Well to me, if we're not able to come and shop then we've wasted money," Pittman said.

The next closest grocery store for neighbors in Brentwood, is an 18-minute walk.

If you want to see the Publix stay on Norwood Avenue, city leaders say they need you to call City Hall— and call Publix — to let your voice be heard.

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Cox Media Group