"However, with the business not there now I don't feel it's appropriate to blame them as they really had no part in this collision."

Apparently your grammar teacher didn't do their job either.

We need to look at the larger picture. Taking into consideration that this street is already overburdened and taking it's toll in flesh and blood, where's the sense in building these stores?
They will create more traffic and heighten the danger level.

No, I don't shop at at that store you mentioned (no need to give it another plug).