The Adam Food Market in Albuquerque is challenging a lawsuit filed by the city which calls the store a “crime magnet”.
The lawsuit, which was filed in February, calls for the store to be closed for three years and for the city’s security expenses to be paid by the store.
The store’s attorneys argue that the city has gone too far and is punishing a small business for being in a rough part of town.
The market has already suffered from negative publicity, with a drop in revenue averaging $2,000 a day.
Residents say that closing the store would take away a critical community resource, as there are no other options in the area.
The city has not yet received the motion to dismiss the suit, but says it is committed to addressing nuisance properties in the community.
