Does New Bedford really need another supermarket?

The New Bedford City Council voted unanimously last night to invite  the Aldi supermarket chain to consider opening a store here in the city.  The Council believes Aldi would create jobs, generate needed tax revenue and provide consumers with more options.

While I praise the Council for it's thoughtfulness and it's desire to jump the local economy...we already have 12 supermarkets within five minutes of downtown.  Do we need another one?

If the Council is anxious to take on the role of the Economic Development Department perhaps it can hunt down a store that sells socks.  New Bedford residents have to drive to Dartmouth or Fairhaven to buy a pair of socks.  Why is that?

What do you think, does New Bedford really need another supermarket?

Editor’s Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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