Just sent an email to my alderman. And boy did it feel good. For any of you looking for the right words, this is what I wrote up: Now that Wal-Mart has come back with a new proposal that some are reportedly seeing as more reasonable, I feel I need to add my voice to the mix as an opposition and hope that my concerns are put forth to the rest of the council. I was born and raised in Green Bay. Its a city I am very passionate about. My only absence was during a four-year stretch for college where I attended MIAD in Milwaukee in the beautiful and historic Third Ward district. Broadway, though on a much smaller scale, reminds me of that neighborhood. Markets, foot traffic, boutiques, specialty shops, unique bars and restaurants and community gatherings. It has personality. Its a safe space that speaks to an array of people from this city. Whether it be going to a concert at The Lyric Room, attending the farmers market for some fresh produce, going to play shuffleboard at Lennys Tap or grabbing a quick, cheap and delicious dinner at White Dog Black Cat, this area speaks volumes of innovation and creativity compared to the rest of the city. I worry that it will lose that appeal should a big-box retailer claim the Larsen Green location. As much as they preach that they will work with the surrounding community, I see it being far more of a hassle than anything. Especially a store that seems so disrespectful, dingy and problematic as a Wal-Mart. Theyre hectic. People dont like them. I work for a local ad agency and back when we did market research for one of our retail clients, we compared that client to stores such as Shopko, Target and Wal-Mart. And while people found Wal-Mart convenient and cheap, they also said it was stressful and poor-quality. Customers, on average, spend less time in Wal-Mart than any other retailer because they feel the rush to leave the store. They go there with preplanned lists to ensure the quickest and most painless experience. Our research even showed that peoples stress levels increased when shopping at a Wal-Mart as opposed to other retailers. Does that sound like the kind of fit for our relaxed and casual Broadway district? To me, it certainly doesnt. I was overcome with joy when the land was designated to mixed-use. I envisioned things like public markets, health services, a town square, more restaurants, art galleries, concert spaces, craft stores and more. Much like the kinds of things one would find in the Third Ward in Milwaukee. Businesses and attractions that uphold the neighborhood, not ones that build over it and devalue it. There can be success for the Larsen Green space without a corporation. Something that will attract people for years to come to share in unique and one of a kind moments. Locations that truly get people excited. Green Bay deserves it. The neighborhood has already come so far from when I was in high school a mere 10 years ago. I want nothing but the best for this city. I dont see another Wal-Mart being that solution. I see bigger and better things. And Im hoping everyone in the council can as well.
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 13:34:07 +0000
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