Access to neighborhood grocery stores in West Ocala has been fairly nonexistent, but that is about to change. The new Paradise Park shopping plaza and grocery store is proposed for 2400 West Silver Springs Boulevard near Northwest 27th Avenue and will bring easy access to groceries and more where there was previously none.
The development of a grocery store in this location is quite significant and will have a huge impact on the area, as West Ocala can be considered a “food desert.” This is a geographic area that does not have adequate access to grocery stores that offer fresh produce as well as other healthy foods. Both the federal and local governments are helping a private development group to build the Paradise Park grocery and shopping center.
The development group is called M2PCD, and it has already begun the federal grant process, it is working on agreements with banks for nearly $10 million in low interest loans that are tailored to fund grocery stores in impoverished communities, and it has obtained purchase options on three neighboring lots for the project.
The plans for the plaza include at least 50,000 square feet of space for a Save-A-Lot chain grocery store, a pharmacist, a Heart of Florida satellite clinic, a Department of Health office, and other retail stores.
M2PCD is approaching the project not only as a business venture but also as a way to address the needs of a neglected community and to hopefully make vast improvements. The city will be donating the land for the shopping plaza because it wants the project to be a success. With a finically disadvantaged community without a lot of transportation options, the developer came to Ocala looking to build a grocery store and this location made the most sense for all parties involved.
For more details in the development project and the revitalization of West Ocala, read the full article at ocala.com.
