TRENTON, NJ – Just days after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy told many communities they will have to shut down their schools because he’s not giving them any more state funding, the governor is fighting to keep a trendy downtown Trenton Starbucks location open.
Starbucks has announced it will be shutting down and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora has put together a team of political A-listers, including the governor, U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and U.S. Senator Cory Booker to keep the Capital City location open.
Coleman said to the company, “By closing the Trenton location, New Jersey would become one of only three states with no Starbucks in their capital city, joining South Dakota and Vermont, and depriving Trenton – an urban community with a 26.2% poverty rate – of the opportunity to continue on its path toward economic revitalization, This Starbucks location has become an important part of downtown Trenton and its community, and I hope that you will reconsider closing it.”
The politicians are calling the Starbucks coffee shop a community hub where people gather and will hurt the disadvantaged local community.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Starbucks located at the corner of Warren and Front Streets has served as a beacon of community support through its designation as a Community Store. This initiative, part of Starbucks’ ongoing commitment to fostering economic development in diverse and underserved communities, has made a significant impact in the area.
By providing employment opportunities, supporting local initiatives, and investing in community development programs, the Starbucks Community Store has become an integral part of the neighborhood’s fabric. Through partnerships with local organizations and engagement with residents, the store has helped to create a sense of belonging and empowerment within the community.
I must express my profound disappointment upon learning second-hand of Starbucks’ decision to close our Community Store in the Capital City. Since its establishment in 2017, this particular Starbucks location has been more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee for state workers; it has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for many of our young workers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds in our black and brown neighborhoods.
As you fully know, the well-intentioned concept of a Community Store, as outlined in Starbucks’ own description, embodies the values of empowerment, inclusivity, and social responsibility. It serves as a vital pillar of support for local communities, offering not only employment opportunities but also a sense of belonging and dignity for individuals who may face systemic barriers to economic advancement.
The closure of our Community Store not only leaves a void in our downtown landscape but also deals a significant blow to the progress we’ve made in fostering a more equitable and vibrant city. The impact extends far beyond the loss of a business; it represents a setback in our collective efforts to uplift and empower our residents.
Trenton, NJ Mayor Reed Gusciora
Governor Murphy sat a on a Zoom meeting call with other politicians and Starbucks business leadership. No announcement has been made regarding the outcome at that meeting.
The store is expected to close on March 30th.