Kroger Store's Changed Design Hampering Homeowner

EAST PRICE HILL, Ohio -- An East Price Hill resident who lost an appeal Tuesday claimed the city's new Kroger grocery store isn't being a good neighbor.

The new Kroger grabbed Melisa Densford's attention long before the grand opening, News 5's Eric Flack reported.

"Because this building is so close to us now that it's as though we're caged in back here," Densford said.

Densford was part of the community council that signed off on the development in 2005, but she said the finished product is nothing like the original plan.

A design change by Kroger in mid-construction moved the building 15 feet closer to Densford's home, bringing light, noise and aesthetics problems right to her doorstep.

Densford went to the city's planning department for help because, she said, it approved the changes without talking to neighbors. Though her appeal was denied Tuesday, she plans to file a second appeal with the city's zoning department.

"By law, I have the right to file a lawsuit against them and could possibly win and have them have to tear the store down. That's not at all my intention," Densford said.

The city told Densford the Kroger will operate under a temporary permit pending the outcome of Densford's next appeal. The most likely scenario is that the company is forced to make more changes to the backside of the building, Flack said.

Some neighbors, like Melanie Eiland said the Kroger is a big boost to an area in desperate need of a grocery store.

"She can move if she doesn't like it, but we're here to stay," Eiland said.

Densford said she will continue to fight to protect what little ground she has left.

A Kroger representative told News 5 that the store is in the process of addressing Densford's light concerns and will look into her complaints about noise and the look of the building.

The store is scheduled to open Wednesday morning.