When I heard that Stop & Shop had taken over Edward's a year ago, I was delighted because I know that competition is good for Glen Cove. I thought a company the size of Stop & Shop coming to our city meant quality foods at competitive prices for our residents. Then I learned that Stop & Shop had bought out the independently owned supermarket, Farmers Bazaar, and planned to vacate the former Edward's store a block away. I concluded that what Stop & Shop wanted could be beneficial for Glen Cove. It seems something has gone awry and challenged my assumptions as to why Stop & Shop came to Glen Cove in the first place. I refer to the unnecessary litigation initiated by Stop & Shop from the time a developer announced plans for another supermarket to operate on Forest Avenue.

Glen Cove residents have made numerous phone calls to my office in reaction to Stop & Shop's incessant attempts, in court and before the Board of Zoning Appeals, to prevent the proposed supermarket from opening at the former Pergament/CVS site on Forest Avenue. As I walk around our city I am approached by residents who are aggravated with the tactics Stop & Shop has taken since our Planning Board approved the new supermarket. These tactics will continue to inspire our sense of unity and in unison we will be critical of what Stop & Shop is doing.

Having lived in Glen Cove for 35 years I can say certain things about our city and its residents. Having operated a successful business here I have learned from past experience that competition in the marketplace is good for everyone--customers, the business community and the public at large. Glen Cove residents have a sense of kinship and a sense of unity that far exceeds other locales on Long Island. Our sense of community tells us that what's good for Glen Cove is competition in the marketplace. The idea is embedded in our very spirits.

If Stop & Shop thinks we will settle for anything less, they are mistaken.

In Glen Cove quality of life, quality of environment and primacy of family are paramount. When Stop & Shop came to Glen Cove it was welcomed as a member of our business family. It's time for them to act accordingly. Stop & Shop should stop the litigation, stop the appeals, stop the delays and let another supermarket come to Forest Avenue.

My advice and time are free. I invite Stop & Shop to contact me. I know Glen Cove and its people....it's time Stop & Shop learned more about us.

Mary Ann Holzkamp

Mayor