New Haven Independent

The Walgreens at Whalley near the Boulevard had sparked protests from neighbors because of its rundown condition and poor lot maintenance. They called the property “Wal-Trash.” After negotiations with neighbors, the company agreed to keep the lot cleaner and build a more attractive version of the store on the premises. (Click here and here to read prior stories on that.)

Tuesday, a work crew removed the fences that have surrounded the building during construction, because the store’s basically done and ready for merchandise to be brought in. Store manager Sean Parker said to expect it’ll open April 4..

Ozzie Gooding Jr., who lives a block away, stopped by to chat up a Walgreen’s security manager (in photo). A retired CT Transit bus driver, Gooding’s looking for work at the new store. The guard introduced him to Parker, who took Gooding’s name and number. He asked if Parker had filled out an application online (answer: yes), then said the store won’t be hiring new help for about a month.