STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Houchens Food Group has backed out of developing a grocery store in Edmonton, according to the Barren River Area Development District. News partner WNKY reported that a district associate confirmed the update Monday, Oct. 5, citing information from the city.
The withdrawal follows Houchens’ selection as the project’s grant recipient at the Sept. 17 Metcalfe County Fiscal Court meeting. The district said Houchens was the only eligible applicant for the project.
In its statement, BRADD said the company had provided building renderings and a business plan it considered satisfactory for long-term success.
After the selection, BRADD staff contacted Houchens to finalize plans for an announcement. According to a statement from BRADD, one phone call and a brief email exchange ended with Houchens Food Group saying it would provide information for a media release.
“We’ve attempted to make contact since then, but have not heard back,” BRADD stated.
BRADD subsequently learned from Edmonton city officials that Houchens had withdrawn because of negative social media comments.
“We’ve now heard from the City of Edmonton that (Houchens Food Group) has backed out of the grocery store project due to negative Facebook comments,” BRADD stated.
The statement also said the city had been waiting for a letter from Houchens formally accepting or withdrawing from the project.
The city of Edmonton contributed $75,000 to the project, with an additional $500,000 from Metcalfe County Fiscal Court. BRADD oversaw the application process, which ran from Aug. 12 to Sept. 14, and recommended the suggested candidate to city and county officials based on community needs.
Metcalfe County does not have a full service grocer, according to prior reporting.
Key Facts:
– The proposed grocery store was planned for Edmonton in Metcalfe County.
– BRADD confirmed the city’s withdrawal report Oct. 5.
– Houchens was selected as the grant recipient Sept. 17.
– Houchens was the project’s only eligible applicant, according to BRADD.
– The city had been awaiting an acceptance or withdrawal letter.
Comments