I know in some areas a large part of this has been neighborhood opposition to development/NIMBY stuff. For example a bunch of projects in Roosevelt, including i

I know in some areas a large part of this has been neighborhood opposition to development/NIMBY stuff. For example a bunch of projects in Roosevelt, including i believe one to redo the old QFC just off 65th were held up in asinine arguments for years about how this kind of smart development would "ruin the character of the neighborhood" and such. I remember this being an issue with the rebuild of the Wallingford store as well, and probably others. The only developments like this really going through that aren't just brand new builds where no store previously existed are for example, the 23rd ave Safeway, and the old Red Apple(which are fraught with their own gentrification issues). Basically, it only really happens in POC or lower income neighborhoods where there isn't super dedicated opposition, or where it will just be ignored. I do know for a fact that some stores, like the brooklyn ave Safeway, and the two broadway QFCs basically barely make enough money after theft to stay open, which might contribute to this. At least the latter two have retail/other businesses within the structure, and the thomas st store has some apartments as well in the back section...