MCKEESPORT, Pa. -- Some McKeesport residents have started an online petition to save their neighborhood grocery store.

The Giant Eagle grocery store located at Walnut Street and Route 48 in the Olympia Shopping Center is set to close.

"This store is conveniently located on the bus line and has provided a safe and secure environment for patrons (many of them elderly and disabled) to shop for groceries or cash checks," the petition Web site states. "There are currently rumors of other nearby stores in the area also closing which will give the people (especially) mentioned above, no options to really shop anywhere!"

"It's right on the bus line. It travels through here all the time and the closest store is 10 minutes away, so it's easier for them to come here than to go there," said shopper Wendy Fuller.

Neither the Giant Eagle company nor the independent owner will confirm the store will close, but a Shop 'n Save grocery nearby is set to convert to a Giant Eagle in two months, and it's thought the company won't want two stores so close together.

"I've been here 20 years and this is a nice little shopping center. And for that to stay empty, it's going to kill us," said shopper Tina Pozzuco.

More than 180 people have signed it so far with comments such as, "Please don't close it," and "I love that Giant Eagle."

A woman who owns a restaurant in the same shopping center is among those hoping the petition works.

"I think it's unfortunate that corporate America can have such a devastating effect on a small town shopping center. You know, this isn't Pittsburgh -- this is McKeesport. And people here like to shop and buy in their own community," said business owner Jane Marino.

Click here to view the petition addressed to McKeesport city and Allegheny County officials.

Related Links:
More Allegheny County News