For Lack of Free Parking, Downtown San Jose Loses a Grocery Store

Safeway is shutting down its grocery store in downtown San Jose, reports George Avalos.

A company memo said the store would close on June 14, and locate the store's 40 employees in nearby stores. Blame for the store's closing is being pinned on a lack free parking on the store, as efforts by the city to buy a nearby garage failed.

According to Avalos, "a private investment group bought the garage and jettisoned free parking for Safeway patrons in the form of a store validation. That, in turn, undermined the financial stability of the Safeway store, government sources said."

Avalos lists the other grocery options in Downtown San Jose, and the other Safeway stores around the city. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is quoted throughout the article, including offering insight about the changes occurring in the city.