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Grocery Loiterers Cause Concern

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

TAMPA HEIGHTS - Some neighbors complain that people are loitering outside Lee's Grocery, giving the impression that drug dealing is taking place.

The Tampa Heights Civic Association hopes to meet with the property owner to find a solution.

"I'm not talking about people hanging, catching up," said association vice president Jim Hartnett, who lives across the street from the store. "There is no reason for someone to be hanging out there for four hours at a time."

Owner Jennifer Hatchcock said she's willing to meet with neighbors and listen to suggestions. She said the problem is not the store but rather the area, which is home to several social service agencies and vacant lots where people gather.

Hatchcock bought the property at 2210 N. Central Ave. in March 2007. She leases to Abdel Qader, who has run Lee's for 21 years and has 11 years remaining on his lease. The building dates to 1884 and is in the neighborhood's historic district.
Qader said more people stood in front of the store in the past, but it doesn't happen now. Some people might be waiting outside while their sandwich or pizza is being made. If they aren't, Qader said he discourages loitering.

A green police notice in the store window warns against loitering. Qader said he asked police for the sign about three months ago to discourage people panhandling from his customers.

Qader, 56, said some neighbors are bothered because most of his customers are black.

Dee Chambers, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1976, said the store has long been a place for people to meet and catch up. When some people see blacks congregating, she said, they think they are selling drugs, throwing a party or fighting.

"They are trying to push us out of the neighborhood," said Chambers, 49.

Master Patrol Officer Clete Sutton began his career with the Tampa Police Department 18 years ago patrolling Tampa Heights, which also is his patrol area today.

He said he doesn't believe drug sales are occurring at Lee's Grocery, otherwise police would have shut it down.

From May 6, 2007, to April 24, there were two arrests for possession of a controlled substance at Central and Frances avenues, where Lee's is located, police records show. The records don't indicate whether the arrests occurred on the grocery store's property.

In the same period, records show, there were 62 drug-related arrests in the area bordered by Columbus Drive and Florida, Nebraska and Henderson avenues, which includes Lee's.

Sutton said the area has improved, although there still is a drug problem.

"If you want to buy a house in a community like this, you have to understand there is growing pain," he said. "You don't buy a house in a neighborhood like this and expect the drug sales to go away overnight."

Scott Floyd, who has lived in the neighborhood for five years, said Lee's is a problem but not the only one. He said the agencies serving the poor, homeless and mentally ill also contribute, along with the vacant lots that attract prostitutes and vagrants.

However, he said improvements could be made at the store.

"Sometimes there is no one out there, and sometimes there are 15 people out there," Floyd said. "It kind of intimidates people to use the store."

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached (813) 835-2110 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.

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