Yesterday, I started drafting my usual weekly communication to the community, but midstream I had to stop because I heard of the official closing of the Edmondson Village Giant Food Store that’s scheduled for June 13th 2024. https://youtu.be/8Ar57gAav5c. I felt sick to my stomach! This news came out of nowhere, as I think some of you may be thinking the same thing. The question that comes to mind is, “What can we do as a community to rectify this problem?” Because it IS a problem!  Another question is, “What will be the replacement?” The sudden notification made me think that it wasn’t sudden to them (Giant) but it is definitely sudden to us. I think the move has been planned for months, but they dropped the figurative bomb on the community now, so that there could not be any repercussions of such. These are just my thoughts, but a lot of speculation is swirling because (as a community) we are left to scramble to alert our community constituents of this sudden change and hopefully suggest some type of temporary support. It might be a great idea to expand the Wilkens Ave Giant, but some, if not most of the residents, are not able to travel that far to do their food shopping. What are we going to do without a viable food market? We are now in a complete food desert! 

 

This is a complete atrocity to Edmondson Village as a whole, but also to its surrounding businesses, schools, young and elderly residents, etc. We are all at a disadvantage, and there needs to be very swift action to rectify this problem! Yesterday, I received a call from Congressman Mfume’s Office to inform me that he is aware of this problem and is working on finding a solution. I’m aware that Councilman Burnett’s Office knows about this and I have seen his response on social media. I’m sure that our 41st District State Delegation knows as well. 

 

The 41st District State Delegation has been invited to attend the Allendale Community Association Meeting on Friday, June 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Mary E. Rodman Elementary School, 3510 W. Mulberry St. 21229, and the residents will be ready to hear an update on this situation. To be clear, the meeting invitation was sent prior to hearing the news about the store closing. Additionally, I invite the District 8 Councilman’s Office to attend as well. Hopefully, a quick and swift solution can be shared with the community, even if it is a temporary one. 

 

On a much better note, the ACA Memorial Garden is coming along well, and we will be completing the project by the end of this week. Please join us as we work

on the project this evening and Friday evening, 6pm-8pm. We are obviously working in between raindrops, as it has been raining more often throughout this season. Thanks to those who’ve already given their support and participation! We appreciate you!! 

 

A reminder that our ACA Produce Giveaway will be on TUESDAY, May 21st, 9:30am at Mary E. Rodman Rec Center (in front of the school). We are collaborating with MERES and Green Street Academy, as their food pantry is on the same day. We will be wearing ORANGE to support our Orioles and add some positivity to this event. We are in need of volunteers, as we will not have our usual Saturday for the giveaway. Please take time to come out to support our community. We will be on site at 7:30am to receive the food items, and will have 1 1/2 hours to bag and prepare for loading the vehicles. Students who need service hours are more than welcome to join us! Please see me to sign any paperwork if necessary.