Green grocer plan wilts

Alderman Ann Rainey, 8th Ward, reports that plans for a green grocer to move into the vacant Osco store at Asbury Avenue and Oakton Street have fallen apart.

The Osco, shortly before it closed in July 2006. 

Ald. Rainey, who had championed plans for the new market, says on her message board that a financial backer for the project pulled out of the deal.

South Evanston residents, earlier disappointed by a decision by the Trader Joe's chain to pass on the location, are already campaigning to find a new tenant for the space, perhaps the regional Garden Fresh Market chain.

The news follows another bit of disappointing news on the food front for the 8th Ward -- a few weeks ago plans to reopen the Dairy Queen on Howard Street fell through when the new franchisee was unable to reach a final agreement with one of the property's owners.