To build or not to build is the topic of conversation for many residents in Brighton, Regarding Whole Foods coming to a Brighton Plaza.
13 WHAM spoke with numerous community members on their thoughts on the Whole Foods coming to their area.
There was a 50/50 response, some people are against it because of the heavy traffic it can bring to Monroe Avenue, and some people are for it, because it would be a cheaper food option.
“ I am really very upset about the whole thing because I really think that it is going to cause a traffic congestion,” says a Brighton Resident Paula Harris.
However, some residents are excited about change.
“I feel great about all of the changes that we have had here. The more the merry,” says another resident Juliann Elgohary.
However, even after years of conversation, the legal fight over the Brighton Whole Foods project is just beginning, and the debate will soon be settled in court.
The developers, The Daniele Family Company began construction in 2020 and with the outcome of the trial they could be forced to change some plans.
“Of course, when you are arguing with one another there is always something that you may not believe, or you may not agree. We understand that. That is common sense in business.” I am sure that our judge and our lawyers and everyone involved will do the right thing. Whatever that may be. We will live with whatever the decision that will become.” says Mario Daniele.
On Monday morning a judge will move forward to trial, with a lawsuit from community members that challenges the size of the plaza with concerns the grocery store would take over a public access trail nearby and cause more traffic.
“The traffic is so abysmal here it is very difficult I really think that it is going to cause a lot of traffic problems and accidents. I am not happy about it at all,” says Harris.
However, change and more options is what some residents want to see in their community.
“I think you just have to adjust to change. You just have to go with it like anything else. Nothing ever stays the same,” says Elgohary.
The trial will start on December 5, which is just a few months before developers say the grocery store is set to open this spring.