The 99 Cents Only Store at First Street and Bullard Avenue. Photo by Ben Hensley

The 99 Cents Only Store in Northwest Fresno seeking to block the relocation of the Politi Branch Library has issued its first statement on the matter, indicating hope in reaching a solution.

The Business Journal reported on Wednesday that plans to move the library branch to a former Rite Aid at First Street and Bullard Avenue were thwarted by the discount retailer, which like the other tenants in the shopping center carries veto power for non-commercial uses as part of their lease.

The 99 Cents Only Store was the only tenant to object. A compromise was floated that would require an entrance for the library in the back of the building, but that is a nonstarter for the Friends of Leo Politi Library group that support the branch named for a children’s book author and illustrator.

According to the statement, issued by a public relations firm on behalf of the Los Angeles-based retailer, ensuring there’s enough parking space is part of its commitment to customers.

 

“The 99 is committed to creating a vibrant and dynamic retail environment for our customers, associates and the communities we serve. As part of this commitment, we work to ensure sufficient, convenient parking is available for all our customers. We appreciate the concerns of community members who are seeking to relocate the Fresno County Library to the First Street shopping center. We have reached out to our landlord and library representatives and hope to meet with them soon to discuss potential solutions that work for all parties.”

After publication of The Business Journal’s story, members of the community have shared the phone number for the store on internet platforms such as Reddit to lobby for the library’s relocation.

Another Reddit poster urged people to contact corporate.

Badgering the local store isn’t going to do diddly because they don’t have any power and there are too many layers between local, mid management and corporate where suggestions/concerns/feedback can get ignored and tossed in the garbage if that information doesn’t align with the goals of the next higher employee who is either looking for promotion or just wants to go along to get along and get their paycheck,” posted Reddit user Rendeane. “Contact corporate and that’s where the action takes place. They care about public image and public sentiment, but they’re also looking at straight numbers until they’re forced to look at the community as distinct individuals.”