Owners of Spangler’s grocery store, a West Coast chain, withdrew from a planned north Charlotte food desert project at Statesville and Kohler Avenues, disappointing long-time residents like Milton Hill after 70 years without nearby fresh food options.
Project Background
Mecklenburg County approved $1.5 million in 2024 to support the store’s 2025 opening, targeting elderly residents reliant on Ubers for shopping. Commissioner Mark Jerrell cited personal reasons for the owners’ exit, leaving the area underserved despite convenience stores nearby.
Future Outlook
The funds remain reserved for a new grocer, with realtors Boundary Street actively seeking a replacement. A Sprouts Market opened two miles away in NoDa late last year, offering partial relief, though locals seek quicker local access.
