7Eleven

The 7Eleven on Thurston Rd is closed and boarded-up. Anyone know what's going on?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 3, 2009 at 8:57pm

When we moved to Rochester we lived about a block from that store. I loved walking over on a Sunday morning to pick up some milk and something sweet for breakfast. We COULD have a store like that, but first we have to get people from dumping their trash on the ground and hanging out in the parking lot.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on October 3, 2009 at 10:17pm

WHAT IF ... we could get a community store like one in the South Wedge. What if it sold produce that was fresh, and we all owned ownership? And we got a grant from the City to do this? There are many people in the neighborhood looking for jobs, so staffing could be selective and not a problem. I don't know if this is a possibily, just a thought. Maybe Don Hanks or John DeMott can follow up with an answer. I know Michael Warren Thomas has some knowleadge about the store I am referring to, and may be a resource as well.

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Anthony Fasolo on October 4, 2009 at 3:01am

I remember that store on University. They sold a wonderful assortment of donuts and pastries as well as pizza (which gets voted number 1 in the City Paper sometimes). They were always nice when I went in there - I certainly miss donuts.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 5, 2009 at 5:39pm

Development of local businesses should be first and foremost a priority in the 19th Ward. The money that is spent at local businesses stays in the community. Local business owners tend to have a vested interest in the appearance of their establishments. It's great that 7-Eleven was part of the community for such a long time. But look at the property. Do you think that Southland Corporation, based in Texas, really cared about what one of their locations in Rochester really looked like? And a reputable local business would be less apt to just close up shop, pull out the fixtures and board the windows without anyone knowing what was going on.

We need to demand more, and expect more than just something to take 7-Elevens spot. We love our community, let's promote bringing someone, local first, in that cares about the 19th Ward as much as we do!

Together we will transform Thurston Road into a livable, walkable, safe street. But we can only do it together.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 5, 2009 at 9:39pm

Very true about some of the locally owned business on Thurston. That's why I mentioned "reputable". Because we do have some reputable businesses on Thurston, and then we have some that are not so reputable. The ones that take advantage of the "scene" on Thurston, catering to what sells, such as 40's and loosies. Generally we can tell who cares about their neighborhood by the amount of how involved in it they have. A great example has been Boulder Coffee, and Staybridge Suites.

Over on the Yahoo group, Dana Miller posted a comment that he is working with the City, and with Southland Corp (AKA 7-Eleven, who owns the building) to bring another 7-Eleven type store to that location. He also mentioned that he was looking for input from the community, and what we are looking for. Maybe this can be an opportunity to clean up the site, and get something in there, that we can feel comfortable going to.

Corporate places are good for consistency, but I love local business, for their local flair.

By the way, I am always amazed at the number of clothing stores and hair places. How do they ALL stay open?

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Permalink Reply by Marian Boutet on October 5, 2009 at 6:12pm

I haven't patronized the 7-11 much for a few years because of the atmosphere in the parking lot and behind the store. Hostile-looking groups of young men make me head for the nearest Wegmans. Also, I realize that operating a store in a City neighborhood costs more for a variety of reasons. If I'm going to pay a premium for the convenience of having a neighborhood store - and I would - it has to be an excellent operation.

What I want

* A local owner
* Family and kid-friendly
* Groceries, general-interest magazines, hot coffee, sandwiches, fresh baked goods
* Good security, including video cameras and a person (possibly an off-duty police officer) during the evening/late-night hours. Angelo's down the street has at least one security camera that I'm aware of, but I wouldn't go near the place because of the owner's "not my problem" attitude and the stuff that goes on around it.

What I don't want

* Clothing store
* Nail salon/hairdresser
* Barber shop
* Fast-food restaurant
* Sale/rental of "Adult" materials, including DVD's and magazines
* Groups of young men hanging in front or at the bus stop

Marian

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on October 5, 2009 at 6:42pm

I'd like something like Mise n Place (sp?) in the South Wedge. It's a combination small grocery store, sit down restaurant, take out food, locally owned and a fantastic place to pick up a few things. If you've never been there, check it out!!
I don't want the same things that Marian lists above!