Confirmed: PetSmart Opening on Atlantic Avenue

Back in April, we reported on the news that a big-box store, PetSmart, .

At the time, a spokesperson for the company would not guarantee that PetSmart was opening a store at the site, located on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Boerum Place.

But it appears that PetSmart is indeed coming - and soon, too. The scaffolding has come off the building, and today, workers were clearing debris from the sidewalk. A sign in the window says the behemoth pet store will open in Fall, 2011.

Back in April, locals expressed concern that the large chain store would damage the small town feel in this part of Brooklyn.

“Like anyone, I wouldn't mind saving a few bucks,” said Michael Weisberg. "But stores like PetSmart inevitably put small, locally owned shops out of business, robbing neighborhoods of their sense of community and place and making them like anywhere else. The savings aren't worth it.”

Other pet food stores fear the competition, too.

Jason Hong, an owner at , says his high-end, organic products, and free, same-day delivery will be reasons customers will choose his store over PetSmart. Nonetheless, he acknowledges it will be hard to compete.

"Distributors charge PetSmart less," he said.

But those who fear big-box competition need only look to Barnes and Noble, located just up the street, to see that they can actually compete, said Sandy Balboza, President of the Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association.

Balboza pointed to the recently expanded BookCourt as an example of one store that has thrived despite a nearby, big-box competitor.

“To be competitive with the big-box store, small, retail mom and pop stores need to give good service and serve the needs of the community,” she said. “If they do, the community will support them.”