Today, Mayor Malik D. Evans expressed his dissatisfaction with Walgreens’ decision to close stores in the Rochester area. He emphasized that these closures will negatively affect three of the five poorest zip codes in New York State.
Mayor Evans stated, “Upon learning that Walgreens’ decision has been made and will not be reversed despite our strongest appeals, I asked Walgreens for their full cooperation regarding the future use of these properties, all of which remain under existing lease contracts, and to not interfere with efforts to recruit new pharmacies to these storefronts by raising concerns about competition.”
He highlighted a recent development by saying, “As last week’s announcement by the University of Rochester Medical Center to open the Highland Pharmacy at Brooks Landing makes clear, the City of Rochester can successfully identify and support compassionate partners who share our concern for the health and safety of our residents by making sure all neighborhoods have equitable access to pharmacy services.”
The mayor reiterated his commitment to finding new partners for pharmacy services in affected areas and warned against any interference from Walgreens: “We will continue to move forward with these efforts, and it would be unconscionable for Walgreens to interfere with that work by raising nonsensical concerns about competition when they have already demonstrated a complete lack of competitive interest in the Rochester market.”
