Really people, stop complaining.

As much as I hate to defend this current Safeway, the argument that we Southwest residents have kept this store open could be easily turned around that Safeway stayed in our neighborhood when nobody else would even enter. Again, this is over five weeks away. There is a Harris Teeter directly on a Metro Stop at Potomac Ave SE. If residents don’t desire to switch trains, they can take the Green Line directly to Columbia Heights and shop at the large Giant store right at the metro stop. Then there are family, friends, neighbors and churches to assist with the ample amount of time that we have to plan. At some point people have to be proactive for themselves. This is one of life’s minor inconveniences.

With five weeks to go before this cross over, can we all take a deep breath, do some individual planning and not create a panic or crisis where none exists?

While you're making corrections to your story, I would ask that you amend the article to accurately reflect the information I provided to you during the interview.

I stated that we are closing the store in order to remove the existing equipment (which we own) so that the current structure can be demolished. I never said that we would move equipment from the old store to the new facility as it will be equipped with a complete set of state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, I mentioned that once the old building is demolished, we want to have the area fenced in so that our new store can be most safely accessed by customers.

Even so, Mr. Sobelsohn could help matters by acknowledging residents' concerns but encouraging them to plan ahead—and look forward to the new store.

Progress takes patience.