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Ashley Studley brings a must-read wrap-up of some of Newton’s choicest development battles. (Not sure I would have gone with the provocative headline that dominates the front page.)
But, there’s a huge hole in the segment about Stop-and-Shop on Needham Street: the defeat of the Stop-and-Shop proposal did not mean, as Deb Crossley suggests, that Needham Street, which can use a grocery store, is forever destined to be grocery-store-less. It was the defeat of a single project that would have had a too-big store attended by a not-so-thoughtful expansion of Needham Street capacity. There is no reason to think that a more modestly sized store* couldn’t be built on Needham Street. The four-corners Whole Foods is 50K sq. ft., compared to the 80K sq. ft. proposed Stop-and-Shop. Trader Joe’s in West Newton is around 15K sq. ft. The trend is toward smaller grocery stores.
The best proof that Needham Street might one day get a grocery store? Post-Stop-and-Shop, Needham Street got a grocery store: Baza. Okay, it’s technically on Tower Street.
*What do you call a smaller Stop-and-Shop? Pause-and-Purchase.
Stole the picture from the TAB.
For those who’ve never been (might Alderman Deb Crossley be among those?) Baza is worth a trip. Can’t beat the produce specials, they have all your basic staples and there’s no way one could leave without finding something good to cook for dinner.
Not everyone’s a huge fan. (Safe food prep, attention to expiration dates and greeting customers doesn’t seem to be a priority. ) The desert counter is very good though — great prices and fine quality items.
I much prefer smaller grocery stores. I can get in and out much more quickly, plus I get to know the staff. That’s why I much prefer the Whole Foods in Four Corners to the one in Newtonville – the staff is friendly and helpful and I can get through it in half the time. Once in awhile I need to go to the larger store for something the smaller one doesn’t carry, but for most of my needs small is beautiful.