Recently, developers annouced plans to build a Walgreens drug store on the block immediately north of Five Points in East Nashville. While the predominant attitude of the local neighborhood organizations has been one of reluctant cooperation, we feel that the construction of a Walgreens in Five Points should be opposed in any way possible and regardless of any design concessions the developers may offer.

Although there are many reasons to oppose a Walgreens here, most of them boil down to the simple fact that a suburban franchise drug store is not appropriate for our neighborhood. Many of us are frankly horrified at the thought of Walgreens' ubiquitous facade spoiling the small bit of unique culture that Five Points has managed to developed over the years.

Right now, Five Points is slowly being reborn as a thriving urban business district. Bongo Java Roasting Company, Margot Cafe and Bar, The Slow Bar, and Red Wagon Cafe have all recently set up shop in the neighborhood. This is a critical point in the redevlopment of Five Points and the decisions that are made now could have ramifications far into the future. We believe that a Walgreens in Five Points would set a terrible precedent and open the door to the kind of franchise strip-mall development that has already taken over most of Nashville (and the rest of the country). Instead of having a unique culturally-diverse business district, we could end up with just another block of generic franchise businesses. First a Walgreens, then a Starbucks, next maybe a Mapco or a Subway. Before you know it, Five Points is indistinguishable from any other business district in Nashville.

Many of the people who initially shared our concerns have been quick to point out that the developers in question have been more than willing to work with local neighborhood organizations to make sure that the new Walgreens fits in well with the rest of the area. We believe, however, that a Walgreens by its very nature cannot positively contribute to the fabric of our neighborhood. Walgreens franchises are successful for the very reasons that make them a poor fit in Five Points. Namely, they are ubiquitous, faceless, sterile, cookie-cutter, auto-centric, generic convenience stores. Virtually every aspect of their construction and operation is suggested (or in some cases dictated) by the parent corporation (including what locations should be sought out for development).

Even if the developers did follow through with all of their proposed design amenities (which is doubtful), the business would still essentially be the same soulless Walgreens franchise that has contributed, probably more so than any other single corporate entity, to the thorough homogenization of the American commercial landscape. We believe that a line has to be drawn, and where better than here. Otherwise the vision that we have created for a vibrant, diverse, and thriving Five Points may never come to pass. Better development opportunities will surely arise, if only we are patient. In the meantime, we urge the neighborhood organizations of East Nashville to take a stand against franchise encroachment in Five Points, before it's too late.