Letters to the Editor - In response to the Webber Camden Market issue 3 - In response to the Webber Camden Market issue

I have never met Kevin Aldwaik, the owner of the Webber Camden Market on 44th Ave. N. I have visited the store only a few times since it opened. I recall being disappointed at the lack of grocery items available. However, after reading his letter in the November Camden News, I now understand why the store felt so empty. He is being prohibited by city regulations from operating a small grocery store from which much of Camden could benefit.

City Councilmember Johnson’s explanation in the December Camden News seems to be missing Aldwaik’s point. The residents of my part of Camden have no walkable options for purchasing convenience items and basic groceries. We should be grateful for a private owner interested and willing to provide this service.

As a powerful member of the City Council which passed the 1996 legislation restricting new grocery stores preventing Aldwaik from selling groceries in his current building, Johnson should answer the following question. What are you doing to help bring a small grocery store back to our neighborhood? Judging from the answer published in the December Camden News, it sounds as if the answer is little or nothing.

Eric Hofer

Webber-Camden