News and Information
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322

Release date: January 5, 1999
Contact: Nancy Seideman, Director

DRUID HILLS CIVIC ASSOCIATION STRIKES LANDMARK COMPROMISE WITH CVS IN EMORY VILLAGE

The Druid Hills Civic Association (DHCA) has negotiated a compromise with CVS/pharmacy regarding plans for its Emory Village store, to include expanding its food product lines and providing a separate retail facility within the store for Shield's Market, which will carry meat and fresh produce.

DHCA President Debbie McDonald said, "The civic association is pleased that we have worked out a compromise with CVS, one that represents a unique partnership for the company and for the community. CVS has indicated a willingness to continue to work with the community through the DHCA as they develop their food product mix. In addition, CVS has expressed interest in working with us on other issues of concern to the Village."

CVS is moving into a 13,000-square-foot building formerly occupied by Kroger, which did not renew its lease for the site. Based on neighborhood concern regarding the loss of a grocery store, and in response to specific requests by the DHCA, CVS revised store plans to include increased grocery products and a traditional meat market. The proposal was presented by Jon Roberts, CVS Area Vice President of Operations, Southeastern Region, to the DHCA and more than 300 community members at a Dec. 10 meeting.

Roberts said, "We have been impressed by the passion of the "Save Emory Village" committee and their singular focus on quality of life issues for their neighborhood. The CVS/pharmacy at Emory Village, with its companion, Shield's Market, will be unlike any other CVS in the country. We will continue our dialogue in order to further build upon our relationship with the community, to listen to their concerns and to provide them, to the best degree possible, the products they want and need the most." In addition, CVS will renovate and enhance the exterior of the building to include the planting of large indigenous trees, park benches, planters and bike racks, all in compliance with the DeKalb County Historic Preservation Commission.

The CVS-DHCA compromise was worked out over the past two months at a series of meetings held at the invitation of Emory University President Bill Chace. Representatives from the Emory Village community---neighbors, merchants, CVS, students, developers, and County Commissioner Gale Walldorff---participated in the meetings in an attempt to resolve differences and to find common ground.

The sessions were facilitated by Edie Primm and Randy Dobbs of the Justice Center of Atlanta (JCA). Founded in 1977, the JCA is a nationally recognized institution for the practice and teaching of mediation to settle disputes and is particularly experienced in working with neighborhood conflicts.

Emory President Chace said, "We support the partnership that CVS and Shield's Market have forged to provide groceries, including meat and produce, for the Village community, as well as for our students, faculty and staff. We're especially pleased that Geoff Irwin of Shield's Market saw a community need and stepped forward to fill it."

Irwin, who has owned and operated the Shield's Market in Decatur for nearly 13 years of its 51-year existence, said he contacted CVS two months ago when he read about the pharmacy's search for a fresh produce and meat retailer to complement their expanded food offering due to the community's concern regarding the loss of a grocery store. "I am very excited about the possibility of having a market in the Village," said Irwin. "CVS and I have worked together very well and I am sure with the neighbors' support, this partnership will work out for the community." Shield's Market will carry fresh fruits and vegetables, wine and cheese selections, in addition to its fine, freshly cut prime meats.

While the DHCA is pleased with the compromise worked out with CVS, McDonald said that the experience has taught the entire community to look at the Village in a more comprehensive way. "We have realized that many people----including the neighbors, merchants and university---really care about the Village. From this point on, we have an opportunity to work together, and with developers, to attract the very best quality merchants to the Village, to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, and to revitalize the community center."

For more information, contact:

CVS:
Amanda Brown-Olmstead
Reade Longino
A. Brown-Olmstead Associates
(404) 659-0919
reade@newaboa.com

Druid Hills Civic Association:
Debbie McDonald
(404) 373-0998

Emory University:
Nancy Seideman
(404) 727-6216