INDIANAPOLIS — The Kroger at 46th Street and Arlington Avenue has been closed since August. The company says it was due to poor financial performance. But, empty storefronts just like this one are becoming a big problem in communities all across the state.
City residents and officials are concerned about the overall impact a large store being closed down has on the entire community.
"We know this community, we live in this community and we love this community. We want this community to thrive," Keith Graves, City County Council Candidate 13th District, said.
Graves lives near the empty Kroger store on 46th and Arlington. He says when the store closed, it began impacting the surrounding area.
"So we want to do everything we can to get out in front of that," Graves said. "That includes bringing on other stores and other vendors and rescuing this property because we know that is the beginning of the downgrading of our community."
Graves is running for Indianapolis City County Council in District 13. RTV6 reached out to his competitor, Deandra Yates, but she was not available for comment.
In an effort to bring attention to the issue, Graves is working with State Rep. John Bartlett, D-District 95.
"I think the CBDG money that community development block Grant money are to be invested into neighborhood to like this," Rep. Bartlett said. "Those are our tax dollars coming back to the community and we need to invest it so our children can have good food."
This community is not the only one concerned about a vacant store. A Marsh store is still empty on Shadeland Avenue. People who live nearby want another store to move in.
"It was not because of lack of customers if you throw a rock within a one to two mile radius from here, you will hit thousands of a really good neighbors and home owners and residents who would shop at a grocery store," Lisa Whitman, who lives in Lawrence Township, said. "We need a grocery store."
RTV6 reached out to the owners of both shopping center where these two empty stores are located, about future plans, but have not yet heard back.
