The Rite Aid on Market Street in downtown Johnstown is closing according to city manager Ethan Imhoff.
One Johnstown resident Cynthia James said it will affect many people downtown, but especially older people in the multiple senior living towers.
“We're talking senior citizens that live alone, take care of themselves, have been down here for years and been independent living on their own but now they have to look for somebody to help them,” James said.
She said some used the Rite Aid as a grocery store at times, especially after the only grocery store downtown, Ideal Market, closed earlier this summer.
Some Johnstown residents said the two closures make them worry for the city.
James said, “At first I was like wow is Johnstown shutting down because to lose our grocery store and now our pharmacy, it's really difficult and I don't know what we're going to do.”
“Not only are the little places closing but now even the big companies are closing and it's impacting like I said mostly the seniors and the disabled that are down here, and I just feel bad for them,” James Maines said.
Imhoff said the city is “committed” to seeking out a similar business for the downtown area.
Rite Aid has not yet announced an official closing date.
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