Willow Glen Resident
News
Fresh & Easy Market takes over site from Albertson's
By Mayra Flores De Marcotte
After sitting vacant for two years, the former Albertson's site on Bird Avenue will become the home of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets.
Plans to revitalize the Willow Shopping Center at Bird and Minnesota avenues with the addition of the British-owned market and exterior upgrades hinged on the approval of a liquor license, approved unanimously by San Jose Planning Commission at its Dec. 10 meeting.
In addition to the approval, the commission raised the 5 percent of the sales floor dedicated to alcohol that had originally been proposed to 10 percent at the request of the applicant.
Four residents present at the meeting voiced their support of the site. Additionally, the planning department received seven e-mails favoring approval.
Resident Jeff Segol lives near the former Albertson's.
"The last time the planning commission heard anything on this site was more than two years ago for an application for a remodel," Segol said. "Back then, the commission denied the permit and the store was subsequently closed. We were left with an empty storefront. Please approve this permit."
Peter Favre, co-owner of Mojo Burger, has his business in the same shopping complex and also voiced his approval.
Ed Rast, past Willow Glen Neighborhood Association president, voiced neighborhood support.
"Every grocery store has liquor in it," Rast said. "It is part of the basic offerings that they have. It's essential to their success. The neighborhood is supportive of it."
As for the change in the percentage of sales floor dedicated to the sale of alcohol, Rast said it didn't matter.
"It's a brand-new concept store and there was a grocery store initially there selling a large amount of alcohol. A few percentages doesn't make a difference."
No single bottles or fortified malt liquor would be sold, and the alcohol department would be at the back of the store, said Alex Eagle, project manager with Bergman Corp., which is working on the project with Fresh & Easy.
The Willow Glen market is the first targeted to open in Northern California.
For more information, visit www. freshandeasy.com.
