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Residents and employees tell commission WinCo will bring jobs, cheaper groceries
Summary
Multiple residents and a long‑time employee testified in favor of a Woodburn WinCo, citing reduced travel time to out‑of‑town stores, lower food costs for large families and additional local jobs at the store and distribution center.
Several speakers came forward in support of the WinCo proposal, emphasizing household savings and neighborhood convenience.
Ruben Vasquez, who lives about a block from the site, said another grocery on that side of the freeway would cut travel time during peak traffic and be valuable during winter storms. "Another grocery store on that side of the freeway is a benefit because now it takes, like, 30 to 45 minutes just across town," Vasquez said.
Alejandro Chavez, who said he is a WinCo employee of 16 years, urged commissioners to approve the project because it would bring jobs and business to Woodburn. Charlene Chambers, who shops regularly at WinCo outside Woodburn, told the commission that local access to lower‑cost produce and bulk items would help families and seniors and keep consumer spending in town.
Supporters asked the city to weigh community benefits such as affordable groceries and living‑wage jobs as the commission considers conditions and variances during the open record period.
