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Where Ashmont used to be
By adamg on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 6:32pm
Here comes the mini-Staples: They finally tore down the entire old Ashmont store on Washington Street this week, leaving only several piles of rubble. And the sign. Why are the signs always the last to go?
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Comments
How do I feel about this?
I'm just not sure how I feel about having a big box store in my own neighborhood - 'mini' box and handy though it may be. Kinda doesn't feel too neighborhoody. Then again, CVS has always seemed neighborhoody to me, and they're a big chain.
Can't figure it out yet.
Overall a good thing
When I first heard we were getting a Staples I had the same ambivalence. However, I think its a good thing overall. First, its redeveloping an abandoned building that has been a blight on the Square for a long time. No "mom and pop" could have pulled that off. Second, according to the Main Streets people, an office supply store was ranked as the most needed business in the Square, I guess because of all the small businesses in Roslindale that currently have to drive to Deadham or something. Third, the store-front is going to be designed to "fit in," unlike the ADAP place or the Dunkins next door (too bad they couldn't have been redone as well). Finally, we have no shortage of mom and pop stores and restaurants in the Square. I'm now pretty enthusiastic about Staples coming in.
Needs analysis
When I worked freelance from home by Forest Hills, I definitely noticed the lack of a nearby office-supplies store. Driving out to Needham or Deadham was a real nuisance taking away from billable hours. I think that Staples is going to provide needed support to a lot of small businesses and freelancers. They talk about greening it to a silver LEED rating, but I think the greatest environmental contribution will be fewer people making the trek out to the hams.