'Enough is enough': Milwaukee's Metcalfe Park residents fight to save neighborhood Pick 'n Save
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A grocery store that serves Milwaukee’s Metcalfe Park neighborhood is set to close July 18, and some residents say the decision could leave them without basic access to food or medication.
“Just moving around ain't easy for me,” said 74-year-old Robert Duckett Jr., who lives nearby and doesn’t drive.
“I don’t think no bus will go where the [other] Pick 'n Save is at,” Duckett said.
The Pick ‘n Save near 35th and North Avenue is one of five Milwaukee locations the grocery chain plans to shut down this summer.
On Monday, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges held an emergency town hall meeting in response. As of Monday afternoon, organizers expected at least 100 people to attend.
“It makes me terribly angry, and it should be something that people stand up and say enough is enough," said Bruce Grau who attended the meeting. "Let's get together. Let's fight what’s happening to poor people.”
“The community wants the Pick ‘n Save to stay open at least until December 2025, so we can work with other grocers to come in and take on that space,” said Melody McCurtis, the deputy director of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges.
Those who attended the meeting shared their frustrations, upset their only grocery store is the latest of many resources being taken from them. Residents say it's a place many rely on for fresh produce and medications and many people don't have the transportation to get to a different store.
“This affects the community, but it affects the pantries too," said Andron Lane, who lives in Milwaukee. "It affects everything. It's like a ripple effect.”
McCurtis says this issue is bigger than just one building closing. She says the community is not just asking to save one store—it is standing up to preserve a neighborhood's ability to access medicine and healthy food.
“Not only is the grocery store leaving, but the pharmacy as well,” McCurtis added. “So, there's really no grocery stores or pharmacies in the vicinity.”
Those who attended formed groups, each brainstorming plans of action. McCurtis says this is just the beginning and that they plan to meet again July 11 and will hold a march and rally July 18.
Pick 'n Save responded to McCurtis, saying, "These closures are part of a broader company strategy to enhance efficiency and ensure the long-term health of our business."
McCurtis says the store also offered free prescription delivery for the remainder of the year and mentioned their home grocery delivery services. She says that's not enough.
Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper released a statement calling on Pick 'n Save to stay open to allow more time for a new grocer to occupy the space.