“I remain deeply disappointed by the decision to close the Fred Meyer store on 72nd Street, a staple in our community for decades. This location is one of six stores across our region facing closure, and each one brings a real and personal impact to the neighborhoods they serve.
For many residents in Tacoma’s Eastside and South End, especially those with limited mobility options, navigating to a new grocery location will be a significant burden. The loss of a grocery store is more than just an inconvenience; it disrupts access to basic needs, jobs, and a central community hub.
As your City Council Member, I am committed to proactively addressing the issue of site security and the prevention of blight. The City is not waiting for problems to arise. An interdepartmental team (Tacoma Fire, Police, and Code Enforcement) is proactively providing Fred Meyer with all regulations for securing a vacant property and Fred Meyer has expressed its full intention to comply with these codes so that the site remains safe and well-maintained throughout its lease.
While the City does not directly control what happens with privately owned property, the City has made Fred Meyer aware of the community’s high-level requests for interim uses of the property beyond just retail, ensuring resident voices are heard during this transition. Our Community and Economic Development (CED) team is actively researching interim possibilities for the site, with a focus on restoring food and pharmacy access. These potential solutions will be presented to Fred Meyer and the property owner, and the City is prepared to coordinate with County and State partners to support viable options.
Beyond redevelopment, this closure is a wake-up call to revisit how we address food access in Tacoma. Every person who lives in Tacoma deserves to have access to fresh, healthy food. As Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health, I am working with the Director of Public Health to inform our district of grocery stores and other resources they can access, and find neighborhood-appropriate grant and community funding opportunities to combat the USDA-defined food deserts that lie directly south of the closed Fred Meyer location. COVID-19 exposed many of the vulnerabilities in how we access food, and we must continue to reassess and rebuild that system with both resilience and equity in mind.
Fortunately, our neighborhood is home to a number of locally owned, small-business grocery stores in the Eastside and South End. These businesses have long served our community with care and commitment. I encourage residents to consider supporting them as they adjust to this change.
This moment is difficult, but it is also an opportunity. This neighborhood is my home. My family and I shop where you and your family shop. Together, we can work to meet the needs of the community and strengthen local systems that ensure no one is left behind.”