CALIFORNIA SITE FIGHT: FORUM ON BIG BOX BAN IN ATASCADERO NEXT WEEK
Topics: | Community Impact | | | |
In June, the Atascadero City Council decided to put a measure on the ballot asking voters to cap the square footage of big box stores. Measure D-08 would also cap grocery store space. The measure is also referred to as the “Shield Initiative.”
“It would stop the Wal-Mart that’s currently proposed, which is a Supercenter,” said Tom Comar, spokesperson for Oppose Wal-Mart and Vote Yes on Measure D-08.
“I think Atascadero needs to be more business-friendly to new businesses that need to come to our area to stimulate business,” said Atascadero business owner Kelly Long, a Wal-Mart supporter.
“Measure D-08 will cap the size of a big box store - 150,000 square feet - and stop a Supercenter, which has a grocery component. It doesn’t stop a Wal-Mart department store from coming in,” added Comar.
Also see: Letter: Welcome Wal-Mart [New Times (Calif.)]
“I’m sure they’re going to try and keep Wal-Mart jumping and going through a lot of obstacles. But Wal-Mart is coming to Atascadero. I think it needs to come to Atascadero sooner than later,” noted Long.
Long said she will vote “no” on Measure D-08. She doesn’t want business growth to be limited. And the president and CEO of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce said most business owners agree.
“Two to one, the business community is in favor of defeating this measure. They’re in favor of a super Wal-Mart located in Atascadero,” said Joanne Main.
At the forum, those supporting the measure said if it fails to pass and Wal-Mart builds a Supercenter in Atascadero, local grocery stores like Spencer’s Fresh Markets are at risk of going out of business in Atascadero.
Posted by Luke West on Friday, October 10, 2008
