Publix Has Announced It Will Close on December 27 — Atlantic Station Needs a Clear Path Forward

Publix, the only full-service grocery store serving more than 10,000 residents of Atlantic Station and surrounding neighborhoods, has announced that it will close on December 27, immediately after Christmas.

If this closure proceeds without a transition plan, Atlantic Station will be left without any grocery store — creating a serious food access challenge in the heart of Atlanta.

This is not speculation.
This is a confirmed closure.
And the timeline is immediate.

Our community is coming together to ensure that short-term access solutions and a long-term grocery replacement are addressed proactively and collaboratively.

 
⭐ Why This Matters
Since 2005, Publix has been a central part of daily life in Atlantic Station — providing walkable access to food for residents, workers, students, seniors, families, and neighbors without cars.

The loss of a full-service grocery store would:

• Create hardship for seniors and residents with mobility challenges
• Leave car-free households without convenient food access
• Undermine Atlantic Station’s design as a walkable, mixed-use community
• Impact surrounding neighborhoods that rely on this location

Residents were surprised by the announcement, and no replacement or interim grocery access plan has yet been communicated.

Regardless of ongoing discussions behind the scenes, the reality is simple:

A community of 10,000+ people is facing the loss of its only grocery store
No public transition plan has been shared
The impact begins December 27
This requires immediate, coordinated attention.

 
⭐ How We Got Here
Publix has not publicly shared the full set of factors behind the decision.
Over the years, residents have raised concerns related to:

Safety and security challenges
Retail operating conditions
The overall sustainability of the retail environment
Atlantic Station was once a national model for urban development.
The community is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure it remains a healthy, livable neighborhood — with essential services in place.

 
⭐ What the Community Is Asking For
We are calling on Publix Corporate, Hines, Morgan Stanley, the City of Atlanta, and elected leaders to work together with residents on clear, actionable solutions.

Specifically, we are asking for:

1. Grocery Continuity
A commitment to either:

• Prevent the closure or
• Ensure a clear path to a full-service grocery replacement, with interim access solutions if needed

No neighborhood of this size should be left without food access.

2. Near-Term Food Access Solutions
Immediate steps to support residents during any transition period, such as:

• Transportation or shuttle options
• Bus route adjustments
• Other interim grocery access measures

3. Transparency and Communication
Clear communication with residents about:

• What decisions are being made
• Who is responsible for them
• What the expected timelines are

4. A Collaborative Path Forward
A structured partnership between residents, property management, retailers, and the City to address:

• Grocery access
• Safety and infrastructure needs
• Long-term neighborhood sustainability

⭐ Community Rally — December 16
📍 Atlantic Station (in front of Publix)
🕔 Tuesday, December 16 at 5:00 PM

Residents and neighbors are gathering to show visible community support for grocery access and to encourage collaboration on solutions.

This is a peaceful, constructive rally focused on:

• Community need
• Partnership
• Moving forward together

⭐ Sign This Petition to Support Solutions
This petition is a call for action, coordination, and partnership.

Food access is essential.
Strong neighborhoods require basic services.
Atlantic Station deserves a thoughtful, workable plan.

By signing, you are supporting:

• Immediate attention to grocery access
• Collaboration between residents, Hines, retailers, and the City
• A clear path to both short-term and long-term solutions

Sign. Share. Show up.
Let’s work together to ensure Atlantic Station remains a complete, livable community.