Dr. George Ghneim and friend
Of course I am writing a blog about Wegmans. Search engine algorithms will systematically archive any Triangle based website that doesn’t include page devoted to Wegmans this week. So is my thought after the obligatory visit to the grand opening of the mega-grocery store: wow!
What all the newcomers to the area (and there were 30,000 of them on opening day) might not know is that the Wake Forest Road Wegmans is built on a former industrial brownfield site. Toxic chemicals, contaminated soil, polluted streams; this site had it all. It took quite the hard work and imagination of Triangle developers to unlock the potential of this property.
The developers were able to return the land to productive use and eliminate of the drawbacks of unoccupied or under-utilized property. This takes advantage of existing transportation infrastructure, increases tax revenue, and provides opportunities for additional commercial, office, and retail space for the area. This is “smart growth” – use of land in an already developed area, which avoids unnecessary urban sprawl. And like any development, there is the creation of construction jobs as part of the redevelopment process and permanent jobs after redevelopment is complete.
While Amy Bush Commercial did not have any involvement in the Wegmans development, we did play a part in another redevelopment that makes us very proud.
South Saunders Street in Raleigh, just south of downtown, has been known as the longtime destination for auto repair body shops, a motorcycle dealership, and Earps Seafood Market. But like Wake Forest Road, this area has quite a bit of under-utilized property and is now seeing exciting new redevelopment.
A few years ago, we meet Dr. George Ghneim and were able to help him find a property he could redevelop to expand his Oak Heart Veterinary Hospitals. His newest location is now open on South Saunders Street!
Dr. George Ghneim has brought his “passionate veterinary care” to the pet lovers in the downtown Raleigh neighborhood. This Saturday, October 5th is the grand opening “Barktoberfest”. We are excited to be there and celebrate. Hope to see you there (and at Wegmans, too).