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Site Fight Of The Week: Ahwatukee Wal-Op

Topics: Site Fights & Local Ordinances

Ahwatukee Wal-Op is a community group based in Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona. After the village planning committee held an informational meeting in May on Wal-Mart’s plans to build its first store in Ahwatukee Foothills, unhappy residents decided to take action.

The 50-member group recently launched a Web site detailing its problems with the proposed Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market and explaining how other residents can get involved.

From the Arizona Republic:

Born out of a May 30 meeting at Desert Foothills Park, the group has gathered more than 700 signatures of residents pledging to boycott the store and any other business sharing the site. Foes cite concerns about traffic and security, and the Arkansas-based chain’s labor practices and economic effects…

“While we understand zoning at the site has already been approved for a grocery store, and that an apparent agreement has been made between Wal-Mart and the developer, we strongly believe we can still make a difference,” spokeswoman Lani Kuban said in Thursday’s statement.

Anti-Wal-Mart groups are springing up across the country as more and more people attempt to keep the retailer out of their communities. One of the most well-known site fights pitted Hercules, Calif., against the big-box store. In an unprecedented move, the town invoked eminent domain, saying Wal-Mart did not fit in with its vision of a more upscale waterfront development.

Community advocates are no longer willing to sit idly by as Wal-Mart wreaks havoc on their towns. Recent studies reveal the negative impact the retailer imposes upon local economies, fueling the battles against Wal-Mart nationwide. Good for you, Ahwatukee Wal-Op, for taking a stand against the world’s largest retailer.

Posted by Alex Goldschmidt on Friday, June 23, 2006