Newburyport and The White Hen controversy

The basic story here is that the CVS in downtown Newburyport has taken over some neighboring leases to expand. One of the lessees that has to leave is the White Hen Pantry.

The White Hen came to this location 20 years ago, under protest from the neighbors. Now the White Hen is being forced to leave, with the departure being protested by the neighbors. Ironic? Yes. Normal? Yes.

That people are out holding signs and picketing, putting bumper stickers on their cars? You decide. I think there are A LOT more important things to put our energy to use for.

The fact is that White Hen Pantry Corporate knew that their lease was up and that CVS was negotiating for the space. They were in continuous contact with the landlord, Newburyport Development. Presumably, if White Hen cared enough, they could have done something about it. But they didn't.

Would I prefer that White Hen stayed? Yes. Do I have the right to try and dictate to the landlord how to run their business and manage their tenants. No.