Walgreens rep. says store not part of curtail

When completed, the Spanish-themed building will feature a patio cover on one side with a colonnade of vines and a drive-through — a design that was pushed by many in the foothills to ensure the drugstore would not be an architectural eyesore.

Pierce plans to bring up the issue tonight at the Town Council’s executive meeting, but some in the community remain opposed to a national chain moving in to a neighborhood dotted by independent shops.

Sharon Raghavachary, vice president of the Town Council in 2005, said the company’s move to La Crescenta is a mixed blessing.

Walgreens’ low prices will likely be a boon to value shoppers, but the national company could harm smaller pharmacies, like La Crescenta Pharmacy, at 2764 Foothill Blvd., she said.

“I’m glad the property will not be vacant, but I’m not sure we need another pharmacy,” Raghavachary said. “Every time a chain goes in, you lose the mom and pop [stores] and lose what makes you unique.

“If you lose your independence . . . you become just like everyone else.”

 JEREMY OBERSTEIN covers business, politics and the foothills. He may be reached at (818) 637-3215 or by e-mail at jeremy.oberstein@latimes.com.