The new Walgreen's pharmacy in Fort Greene, which opened its doors last month to general acclaim from neighborhood residents, staged an official grand opening ceremony this week celebrating the store's successful first month in business.

The store is located at 379 Myrtle Avenue along a growing commercial corridor with its own Business Improvement District that is slowly revitalizing the neighborhood.

Jennifer Stokes, program manager of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, the organization that oversees the area's economic development, said the Walgreen's store should serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Fort Greene, in addition to providing vital services to the local community.

"Especially in tough economic times it's a good thing to see that there's a business that's come to the area that people are excited about," said Stokes. "There are a lot of local residents who wanted to see a store like Walgreen's in the area."

Patricia Crank, a longtime community activist who works with area seniors, said seniors are benefiting from the new pharmacy.

"Since 2006 I have been trying to get the ear of local politicians about the need for a large store like Walgreen's in the area," Crank said. "I am extremely pleased that Walgreen's is here."

Crank isn't the only one. So far the store has averaged over 600 customers a day, according to Chanteria Lluvera, the store manager.

"We're getting a good amount of customers," Lluvera said.

Stokes said the big box store, one of Walgreen's countless nation-wide locations, is not expected to adversely impact local small businesses, including pharmacies. On the contrary, Stokes said, the new Walgreen's should draw shoppers to the Myrtle Avenue business district.

"Hopefully it will lead more people to venture to the avenue and that will have a positive effect on business in the area," Stokes said.

Stokes said she did not hear of any opposition to the store from local business owners in the months before it opened.

"I'm hoping that it will have a positive impact," Stokes added.

Councilwoman Letitia James said the store, which employs 20 people, would be a source of employment in the neighborhood for years to come.

"This large, modern, one-stop shop is a positive addition to the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill neighborhood," James said in a statement. "My office looks forward to working with their management in an effort to help local residents, specifically teenagers, find suitable employment."