Trader Joe's fans from all over the region are converging on the modest-size store on Fort Worth's Hulen Street with a modest number of parking spots, creating spillover that is making some neighbors furious and others appreciating the overflow.
Stonegate Nursing Center has found shoppers filling its cramped lot, parking in the fire lane and on the grass -- over sprinkler heads, said Sue Hayes, its less-than-pleased director of operations and co-owner.Some Trader Joe shoppers even blocked a marked spot needed for an ambulance that had been summoned, Hayes told us. She has gotten calls from families trying to visit ill relatives who said they couldn't find a place to park. Neither have hospice workers.After shoppers ignored the first no-parking signs, Hayes said, the nursing home put up bigger ones, then hired security guards to patrol the lot. It spent $750 on eight signs and "hundreds more on security," she said.Then there's the snippiness.When Hayes confronted a couple wheeling a Trader Joe's shopping cart toward their SUV on the nursing home lot, they responded: "We're not parked. We are just loading our vehicle."But she gives high praise to Trader Joe's management, which has made sure that store employees park on a side street a block away, hired police at peak periods to direct motorists and has negotiated the use of the Calloway's Nursery lot next door. Calloway's confirmed that it's allowing the use.The leasing agent for stores to the south on Hulen Street put down red traffic cones and had security guards shoo off folks making their way to Trader Joe's.Not everyone is complaining.The Tavern, as well as Yogi's Bagel Cafe across the street, both say the upscale grocer has brought them new customers."If anything it's kind of helped our business. We're up 10 percent," said Tavern owner Felipe Armenta, 34. "We're getting people from all over the area. They're eating then shopping, or shopping then eating. I don't see it as problem."State charter banksFirst National Bank Mid-Cities in Bedford is among a growing number of banks nationwide seeking state charters.The bank said it has filed an application to become a state charter institution, meaning that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. will be the primary federal regulator. As a State savings bank, it would be regulated by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.It has been a federally chartered bank since 1983, and is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.The bank also said it is merging with First National Bank Munday and First National Bank Baird."We believe that a state charter provides significant value and by merging with our sister institutions, we can increase our asset size and footprint to better serve our customers," Justin Sharp, First National Bank president in chief operating officer, said in a statement.Many banks have been seeking state charters, saying state regulators are more accessible and know the markets better. The banks also say they can greatly reduce inspection fees. Frost Bank said this year that was seeking a state charter.Customers of First National Bank Mid-Cities will not see any changes to their services, Sharp said. Ownership of the bank is not changing, he said.The merger allows First National Bank Mid-Cities to expand from one location to 10, giving customers access to more automated teller machines and lobby locations statewide, the bank said. Afterward, First National Mid-Cities will become First Bank Texas.Downtown adventureOver the Edge in downtown Fort Worth is signing up thrill-seekers to rappel down the 20 stories of the Chesapeake Plaza near downtown.The event, scheduled for Sept. 15, will mark the second year the nonprofit advocacy group Downtown Fort Worth Inc. is hosting the fundraiser.Chesapeake Plaza, 100 Energy Way, was designed by Duda Paine Architects when it was built for Pier 1 Imports and has a stellar view of the Trinity River and downtown, making it ideal for the event, the organization said.A limited number of participants will be allowed. The group asks for a minimum contribution of $1,000.Over the Edge provides rappelling events for nonprofit organizations.Sandra Baker, 817-390-7727sabaker@star-telegram.comScott Nishimura, 817-390-7808snishimura@star-telegram.comBarry Shlachter, 817-390-7718barry@star-telegram.comHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
