Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Tops Markets is back in control of its store on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo and is now making preparations to reopen the store in the near future after renovations are complete.
Despite the incredible need for the store and its services, there are many in the community who are adamantly opposed to the store reopening on the same site and are looking for increased investment in the east side of the city to allow for more choices in shopping and services.
"Sending family members and workers back into that same place where people, their families were massacred, is the height of insensitivity," said Deacon Jerome Wright of VOICE Buffalo. "There are people clambering to reopen that store right now. Everybody's not in agreement with that."
VOICE Buffalo is calling on Mayor Byron Brown, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and all elected leaders to work toward several goals to lift up the Black community on the east side of Buffalo.
Investment in initiatives that are dedicated to dismantling longstanding racial disparities is among the top demands of elected leaders according to a contingent of faith and community leaders gathered with VOICE Buffalo Friday.
Deacon Wright is thankful for the massive community outreach underway and wants it to continue to provide immediate food and resource needs for families while Tops remains closed and make sustained investments to ensure community members have access to quality, affordable food for the long-term.
Organizers say their hope is to see increased investment in the community that would allow for big box stores and more choice in shopping options to become available.
Wright says communities with the least resources have the highest crime rates and social dysfunction.
"We don't need handouts. We don't need hope. We need change."
Tops announced Thursday it was in the beginning stages of reoccupying the store and working toward reopening, something Mayor Brown and numerous community leaders have said is important to avoid the continuation of a so-called 'food desert' along the Jefferson corridor of Buffalo.
No firm timetable for the store's reopening has been given.