Old North Killeen is my neignborhood, though I'm on one of the newer streets. Today's editorial in the Killeen Daily Herald suggests that these older neighborhoods are under-served in terms of amenities, especially grocery stores, and praises Walmart's decision to open a store at38th and Rancier.
I agree that few businesses have targeted north Killeen in recent years, and many have abandoned it. The site of the new Walmart has been a decaying vacant lot for 10 years. But the area is not badly served by the HEB at 8th and Rancier and the IGA at 38th and Rancier. (They are only 15 blocks apart: Killeen adopted a plan of even-numbered streets to the east, odd-numbered to the west, then forgot to number the western ones).
I don't object to a grocery there. It's a better use than the movie theater that used to be on that corner, or the weed garden it is now. I do worry that it will drive the IGA (300 yards away) out of business, and that it will perpetuate Waknart;s pattern of hiring people at wages that entitle them (indeed, require them) to file for public assistance. I'd as soon pay full price for my groceries as require the checker to seek government help to provide the family dinner.
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