April 23, 2010
.
Two Urgent Announcements From the Cincinnati NAACP
.

• Turner and CPS have honored an agreement negotiated around Chase Elementary School.  The drawings for Chase Elementary School were delivered to the Cincinnati NAACP office yesterday.  All contractors can view the Chase drawings for free at the Cincinnati NAACP office effective immediately.  All addendum will be faxed to the Cincinnati NAACP office.  In turn our office will fax to contractors who call and provide fax numbers.  

. 

•  The Cincinnati NAACP and the Baptist Ministers Conference met with Kroger leadership on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 and negotiated that the "no compete" clause be removed from the lease which now allows another grocery store to be located in the Hillcrest Plaza. Our institutions did not want the property vacant nor the inability to relocate another grocery store at the location.  The  Cincinnati NAACP is very concerned that Kroger is moving. However, this is an opportunity for a small business to step up and open a business. Our community must have conversations around "pooling resources" and "action cooperation" around community based economics. This is how the African American community will survive long-term. Also, Kroger is considering leaving equipment. Jim Clingman, Chair of Economic Development for the Cincinnati NAACP has been reaching out to investigate if there is an interest in a chain relocating. The "no compete" is a big win under current circumstances. If a store opens it will be very important for the community to support. The prices will be higher but the community must understand the big picture of supporting the store so all people have access. Our groups were unable to convince Kroger to extend the time. The lease ends in July. However, we will continue to try to get Kroger to give the community 30 days to transition and find another vendor for the location.