New Fairfield, Connecticut is a small community with a foundation of local businesses and supported by proud citizens.   But the identity of the town is at risk, because Walgreens wants to move into the neighborhood.

The New Fairfield Luncheonette announced earlier this week that it is being forced out of business.  But it's not because it wasn't doing well.  It's because the new owners of the building refused to renew their lease.  The landlords once told them they would be given the option to remain at their location, however, that was not the truth, and now, a staple of the town, where many of the townspeople would frequent on a regular basis, is being forced out.

So who are the landlords?  It just so happens to be a company, SRS Real Estate, who finds locations for new Walgreens Stores.  They own over 8,217 stores across the country, and want to open the 8,218th right here in New Fairfield. In order to open, they will be systematically forcing businesses out of the strip mall that is home to the town's only gift shop, bakery, hardware store and local grocer and deli.  It's also across the street to the only local pharmacy, which will likely also close as a result of a new Walgreens.  

We love these businesses and the owners who have their entire lives invested in them.  These businesses don't want to close nor relocate.  And in fact, have gone to great lengths to buy their locations, to extend their leases, and simply to keep their doors open and continue to serve the community.  

But they've been told no, time and again. And we, the citizens of New Fairfield, will not stand for nor support a Walgreens (or any conglomerate) location in our town.  It will destroy the lives of the owners of these local businesses, and furthermore, it will destroy the identity of the small town that we cherish and love.

SRS Real Estate Partners - find another location for your Walgreens store.  It is not welcome, nor needed, in New Fairfield, Connecticut.