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"I've never been involved in a project that has been under this much scrutiny," project developer Darryl Browman said as he spoke during a hearing on the Wal-Mart Supercenter at Hutchins Street Square on Wednesday.
Lodi council approves environmental reports for Wal-Mart Supercenter
A shopping center including the Wal-Mart Supercenter is one step closer after the Lodi City Council voted to approve its environmental reports in a 3-2 vote on Wednesday night.
"This process is going to continue, and it's not going to end tonight," Mayor Larry Hansen said.
Councilwomen Susan Hitchcock and JoAnne Mounce both voted against the project.
In an emotional speech, Hitchcock said while the council have received report after report on the topic, it is the people who might lose their jobs that she is concerned about.
"It is about their income, their living wage. ... I'm proud of the people who stood up to protect the quality of life of people in Lodi," Hitchcock said.
She said there is too much conflicting information on what environmental impacts the shopping center will have on Lodi to approve the reports.
But Councilman Bob Johnson said the council has reviewed the environmental reports thoroughly and the Wal-Mart Supercenter has had to undergo more scrutiny than other projects.
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"If we were talking about a Costco or a Kohl's on this corner, this would have been approved 10 years ago," he said.
The Supercenter would anchor the 13-building, 340,000 square-foot Lodi Shopping Center project. It would be built on the southwest corner of Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road.
Through the vote, the council is overturning a Planning Commission decision to reject the reports as inadequate. The Planning Commission still has to review remaining elements of the environmental report, including the map of the project, architectural plans and an application to sell alcoholic beverages.
While the council's only decision was on whether or not to approve the environmental reports, the public spoke about the advantages or disadvantages of the shopping center, how the economy has changed since the reports were drafted and even how people have been treated at previous meetings.
With Lodi losing two car dealerships, the sales tax from Wal-Mart could help the city's sales tax revenue, Lodi resident Cheryl Nitschke said.
"I've heard so much about keeping Lodi a small-town ... Lodi, I'm sorry, is not a small-town, and it's never going to be," she said.
With the downturn in the economy, Stan Finberg said he has had to drastically cut the rent for tenants at the shopping center he manages at Lodi Avenue and Cherokee Lane to keep them in business.
"I'm not an attorney, accountant or economist, but I'm a human person," Finberg said. "When I talk with my tenants at the shopping center, they are like family."
Quotes from the Wal-Mart meeting
"It's crazy to turn away a construction project that will take three years to build."— Jason Elliot, local businessman, who works with Browman Development Company
"It's going to take too many resources in the city for us to be able to afford it at this time."
— Quintin Williams, employee of Food-4-Less
"The wine industry is Lodi's future and can turn Lodi into a great community ... Somehow we got to get past this and on to things that really make sense for Lodi."
— Dennis Sattler, Lodi resident
"When Food-4-Less opened, there was a big bruhaha that it would close down all the grocery stores ... nothing closed down."
— Andrea Violett, Lodi resident
"When you live here every day, it's hard to look long-term when you have to look at friends and family who could lose jobs and homes."
— Brad Clark, Lodi resident
"I'll tell you what. I'm a little fed up with Wal-Mart being a dirty Dane ... I feel that people here in Lodi will shop where the best bargains are ... People who haul concrete, electricians and plumbers, it will give these people who are not working jobs."
— Ruth Miller, Lodi resident
Toward the end, part of the public comment began to focus on how supporters and opponents were treated at previous meetings.
Echoing a Wal-Mart spokesman's comments about employees being treated disrespectfully, Blue Cross employee Al Hernandez said the at the last meeting he was harassed on the way to his car because he was wearing a button in support of project.
Resident Catherine Brown vigorously spoke about how she did not like how Wal-Mart representatives addressed the council.
"I feel like they are turning this into a bully situation. ... A lot times in my life, I haven't got what I wanted," she said.
Council members and the public heard a similar presentation from city staff, statements from lawyers in support and opposition of the Supercenter and comments from the public at a December meeting.
The meeting was repeated to avoid legal action from the Lodi group Citizens for Open Government. The group threatened litigation because there were not enough seats in Carnegie Forum for the more than 200 people who showed up at the December meeting.
Contact reporter Maggie Creamer at maggiec@lodinews.com or read her blog www.lodinews.com/blogs/citybuzz.
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Lodian wrote on Mar 19, 2009 3:00 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 19, 2009 1:45 PM:
" Give a dollar and take two back"!
Boy you sure hit the nail on the head about those Grocery Union Chain stores!
Shoppers pay way more and get less!
Thank you for seeing things as they really are.
We in Lodi need and deserve to buy More groceries and pay LESS for them! That is why we in Lodi want Wal-Mart Supercenter! "
Lodian wrote on Mar 19, 2009 12:44 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 19, 2009 9:22 AM:
Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) is awarding approximately $2 billion to its U.S. hourly employees through financial incentives, including handing out $933.6 million in bonuses Thursday, after the world's largest retailer gained market share amid a recession.
Show me what the high priced Grocery Chains have done for their UNION Employees besides Block Wal-Mart Supercenter from Lodi?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2009-03-19-walmart-workers_N.htm "
Lodian wrote on Mar 18, 2009 3:07 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 18, 2009 3:06 PM:
" Why so many empty Buildings not being used??? "
Good point for not adding more empty buildings in Lodi. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 18, 2009 3:05 PM:
" DID City of Lodi Sell their Soul to the Company Store???
Interesting question. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 18, 2009 3:04 PM:
" Stockton, The Arm Pit of California !! "
That's why Lodi should think long and hard before following anything Stockton has done in their city. Learn from Stockton's mistakes so we do not become just like Stockton. "
SJUNE74 wrote on Mar 17, 2009 3:05 PM:
Gator wrote on Mar 17, 2009 2:03 PM:
commonsense1 wrote on Mar 17, 2009 1:42 PM:
commonsense1 wrote on Mar 17, 2009 1:37 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 17, 2009 11:19 AM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 16, 2009 6:10 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 16, 2009 5:56 PM:
commonsense1 wrote on Mar 16, 2009 4:37 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 16, 2009 12:58 PM:
(The Stockton Record)
--------------------
What???? WOW! Are you kidding? I have a feeling that Mr. Hansen has not visited our next door neighbor and the Stockton Super Walmart. If he had done so then he would know that the Stockton center is a huge dump and one that Stockton now regrets permitting in the city. Also, take a look across the street from that center. It's a ghost town (BLIGHT!). Stockton has decided not to allow anymore Super Walmarts in Stockton due to the terrible results they've seen from the current dumpy monstrosity. What a shame that our city leaders have some sort of blinders on when it comes to this project. "
sam wrote on Mar 14, 2009 9:07 AM:
The more walmart or any other store sells, the more money I make. The more they sell the more eager they are to have me create more. "
Gator wrote on Mar 14, 2009 8:07 AM:
to said town I believe Im not alone Texas, Arizona and New Jersey are represented on these pagesAs I have Grandchildren attending LUSD I am critical of what kind of education and environment they provideWhen I see an area that has about the same geographical layout, one large town, Stockton/Boise and 5 or 6 smaller towns Lodi/ Nampa Etc. Where one area is Very business friendly and successful, then I would like to
pass that information along. Competition is healthy, every business needs it or things get a
little stagnate and the people are the victims in the end. Even Stevie Wonder could see whose leading the opposition to SWM "
Observer wrote on Mar 14, 2009 5:57 AM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 13, 2009 8:18 PM:
sam wrote on Mar 13, 2009 7:34 PM:
I guess his heart he still loves Lodi too ... or maybe Nampa does not have newspaper blogs. "
sam wrote on Mar 13, 2009 7:31 PM:
Mainframe wrote on Mar 13, 2009 7:09 PM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 13, 2009 7:08 PM:
Mainframe wrote on Mar 13, 2009 7:05 PM:
Gator wrote on Mar 13, 2009 6:47 PM:
have guessed they wanted a SWM so bad they wouldnt Tax them along with the county
and state. So while they are at it why not charge the people of Lodi more for Police, Fire, water and sewer because SWM will hog those services even though those Items all ready
existIm mystified by the word Quality, in what manner is SWM going to tilt that fine
Balance in Lodi. Then we have Kids what in H*** are they going to do to kids, put them
Under a spell so their parents wont shop any where else??? You know you always rant about my trying to give Lodi some Ideas on how to attract business and survive and not
die on the vine like a lot of central valley towns. One thing about it, Credence Clearwater
didnt write a song called stuck in Nampa!!! "
Cogito wrote on Mar 13, 2009 6:33 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2009 5:40 PM:
Supermercado de Walmart
http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/topstocks/archive/2009/03/13/wal-mart-goes-bilingual.aspx "
Patricia wrote on Mar 13, 2009 4:13 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2009 2:14 PM:
The SWM will effect all that you mentioned, and more, in a negative way.
Kids
Water
Budget
rates
Fees
Services
Security
Quality "
Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2009 2:14 PM:
The SWM will effect all that you mentioned, and more.
Kids
Water
Budget
rates
Fees
Services
Security
Quality "
Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2009 2:12 PM:
" Patricia, if you read my earlier post, you'd know that I would prefer Galt to get a SWM, if Lodi didn't get theirs. "
I would prefer Galt get the SWM too. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2009 1:57 PM:
yup thats me wrote on Mar 13, 2009 10:30 AM:
Gator wrote on Mar 13, 2009 10:07 AM:
kind of makes one grin!! Taking in the Geographical size of the Stockton, lodi, Manteca
Galt Area and compare it to Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, Nampa, Star and Eagle you people
have a larger population base and larger monetary worth, yet we have more and they seem to do just fine. Years back that area was considered for a large housing development, that
would give you a traffic nightmare. If it is engineered properly traffic will flow smoothly,
that is what Civil engineers do. If it wasnt for the meat and grocery department you wouldnt hear a complaint.. Safeway, Albertsons and Raleys dont want the competition,
how many mom and pop Grocery stores have those three put under?? "
Cogito wrote on Mar 13, 2009 9:36 AM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 13, 2009 9:30 AM:
Patricia wrote on Mar 13, 2009 9:05 AM:
You obviously didn't catch the hot debates on those issues. YOU live in Galt which didn't allow SWM in, yet you want Lodi to provide Galt with a SWM, how nice of you.
At the risk (of course) of repeating myself. WE HAVE A WALMART. With a little innovation, they could remodel the current Wal-Mart to support inventory for the shoppers in LODI, who want to shop there. If we open SWM on that corner, we'll get half of the shoppers from Stockton and Galt, who want to leave the trashy SWM in Stockton, which will only add more traffic and congestion to an already congested area. Lodi CC needs to consider the impact from traffic and Utility/Waste/Water use before allowing any super stores. We can barely support what we have. "
wdbdgdad wrote on Mar 13, 2009 7:23 AM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2009 10:21 PM:
Whoa Nellie! wrote on Mar 12, 2009 10:10 PM:
Of course, Ken Owens and his religous right looneys would be picketing the porn shot before it evened opened. Like none of those guys haven't viewed a lil porn on the web! "
Whoa Nellie! wrote on Mar 12, 2009 10:04 PM:
You should know that all of the GOB's living in the gated communities, hob-nobbing with each-other for years and years, patronizing each-others businesses for decades, would NEVER EVER be caught dead shopping for groceries in a WalMart.
That is soooooooo below the country club set. Raleys and Safeway carry their gourmet items they need for entertaining developers as they pave over our precious vineyards with more stucco homes and strip malls filled with nail salons, check cashing ripoff joints, a Mexican food place, and maybe a Subway.
Honestly, after the past few years of $h1t in town, the W, and this stupid WalMart thing I think it's time that the citizens of Lodi came together to improve our fair city. Build the new SWM. Let the old site turn ugly, then another big retailer will come in and demolish the entire center to put in their own store & associated mall. Let's get past this crap.
How about our kids education?
How about the cities budget?
How about the cities electrical rates?
Sewer pipe replacement? Water meters?
It's time to move on people. "
Mainframe wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:17 PM:
Observer wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:07 PM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:59 PM:
JustTheFacts wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:16 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:12 PM:
Any business? "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:10 PM:
" Lodian, a lot of the products I create are sold at Walmart. I make money off of Walmart. However I do believe that Walmart is NOT a good fit for Lodi.
The intersection of Holman and Hammer should not exist in Lodi.
Lodian, on this topic, you speak for me too. Thanks. "
Thanks, sam. Coming from someone that has items sold at Walmart that means a lot. Some folks just can't seem to see that there are people that simply think that a SWM is not a good fit for Lodi. We are not Walmart haters or union members, just people that live, work and play in the area. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:05 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:00 PM:
labguy wrote on Mar 12, 2009 6:42 PM:
Gator wrote on Mar 12, 2009 6:38 PM:
only difference is the Meat and grocery department. So with out bias and mumbling
give the factual reasons that impact Lodi. So I wont have to repeat my self check out
my post of Mar 12, 2009 7:51 AM: A good example, I buy my meat at Sams club or Fred
Myers Both USDA Choice. I BBQ Baby back in my smoker, the last time I was in Lodi
I checked Prices at Raleys they were 1.65 a pound more, what I normally would pay 33.00
For would come close to 50.00 at Raleys "
Observer wrote on Mar 12, 2009 6:19 PM:
sam wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:43 PM:
The intersection of Holman and Hammer should not exist in Lodi.
Lodian, on this topic, you speak for me too. Thanks. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:35 PM:
Mr. Browman: I see, sir, that you may not have encountered such involved people in the past. We Lodians care very much about our city. I'm very proud of that fact. This is what will keep Lodi a better place to live. Keep it up Lodian. We have the right to have a say in what goes on in our fair city. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:31 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:28 PM:
T & C: And this is where I see it as the complete opposite. Lodi cannot afford a SWM and we Lodians will pay the price if its allowed to be built here. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:22 PM:
And may I ask... what business would you NOT approve of on that corner in Lodi? "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:18 PM:
T & C: I see both sides all too well. It's easy to see when I am not involved with either the SWM, Walmart, the stores or anyone involved. I formed my own opinion and of course have conversed with people in Lodi, both Long time Lodians and new neighbors alike. You have not addressed any of my points of opposition. I wonder why? "
Observer wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:17 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:15 PM:
T & C: No, you did not comprehend my points, again. Perhaps if you take off that "hater" label as well as the "union" label you hate so much you could begin to attempt an understanding of my point of view. You are so deeply entrenched in your desire to use those "hate" labels that you can't seem to have a real discussion about this topic.
You finger point, call the opposition "haters" and then go on to say we have money to throw away so we don't like SWM. That's not true. Try actually reading what is written, THINK, and then respond. That would be great. Thanks. "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:14 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:12 PM:
"T & C: I don't think many people have spare money right now".
Thank you for confirming what I have been trying to clarify since the issue of Wal-Mart Supercenter reached the stage it now is at.
You and I are in agreement that not many people have spare money right now! The is why Wal-Mart Supercenter will be "A good fit in Lodi!" None of us have spare money. We have a tight budget, looking for every way to reduce our bills, consolidate, cut back on or elliminate in the hopes we can still hold onto our homes, our jobs, our families! Lower food prices means our families will eat right. It means we won't have to PAY MORE but get LESS! It means we will have an OPTION of paying a highrer price for food, or, IF WE CHOOSE TO, shop somewhere else and get the same EXACT product, but pay less for it!
Thank you for being honest enough in your post to agree that few of us have spare money. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:08 PM:
T & C: I know. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:05 PM:
I must agree. It feels like bullying, doesn't it? They even got council to overturn a Planning Commission decision to reject the reports as inadequate. WOW! That's a big deal. What in the world is going on during these SWM/CC lunch meetings that we're not all privy to? Geez. "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:03 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:59 PM:
I looked up the word monstrosity, to try to see your side:
"Noun
S: (n) freak, monster, monstrosity, lusus naturae (a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed)
S: (n) monstrosity (something hideous or frightful) "they regarded the atom bomb as a monstrosity".
http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=monstrosity
Sorry Lodian, I just can't see where you are coming from.
A Wal-Mart Supercenter building is neither "hideous or frightful",and it is not "a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed".
In truth a Wal-Mart Supercenter is nice looking on the outside and inside! For the life of me I just can't see Wal-Mart Supercenter thru the eyes of Wal-Mart Haters!
In the end Lodian, when all is said and done, 2 groups of attorney's will be RICH! Thats All! "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:56 PM:
" Those who accuse those in opposition to Wal-Mart of being "Wal-Mart haters" and those who assume the differing debaters are more financially entitled than you, are grossly misjudging people for their opinions contrary to yours.
I might add also, that the tone of your comments speak volumes. "
Patricia: I agree. I think they are just trying to fit us into some kind of box that makes them feel better about calling us "haters" (ie; Lodisafeway/girard74/JeromeKInderman). They (ie; T & C) think we oppose a SWM in Lodi because we must have money to burn and that we must enjoy burning it.
It's not a very intelligent argument, is it? "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:49 PM:
T & C: I don't think many people have spare money right now. I do very well in shopping for my groceries/goods. A SWM will not benefit my family in any way, in fact, it will lower the quality of life in the city we call home. I firmly believe that a SWM is not a good fit for Lodi for all the reasons I have already listed. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:42 PM:
---The many senior citizens in my life, including veterans and disabled elderly folks, see that a SWM is not a good fit for Lodi. These folks don't want or need (their-words) a SWM in our town. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:42 PM:
---Many jobs will be lost.
You said,"...it's about Wal-Mart Supercenter..."
---A SWM is not a good fit for Lodi.
You said,"...and all the smaller shops that will open in the same parcel..."
---In this economy it is safe to say that these empty buildings will remain empty, just like many here in Lodi that remain empty. Why in the worl should we allow more empty malls in this town?
You said,"...as Wal-mart Supercenter which will bring to Lodi more tax base..."
---No new taxes, juts food. No tax on food. And the additional cost to Lodi will outweigh any meager increase you perceive through a substantial increase in needed/required city services.
You said,"...and more employment."
---And many jobs will be lost with other stores closing. Not to mention the blight we will experience at the old Walmart mall.
continued... "
Patricia wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:36 PM:
I might add also, that the tone of your comments speak volumes. "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:27 PM:
Safeway, Raley's, Food-4Less and S-Mart "DO NOT want competition from a lower priced grocery store!" It would mean they would have to LOWER their food prices, to COMPETE for Lodi Families tight Money Budget! They do NOT want to lower prices, because that means lower PROFIT! No the truth of it all, under the umbrella of innocent looking protest groups like Lodi First, the grocery chains will fight and spend millions to slow the arrival of Wal-Mart Supercenter! And foremost, the money customers are spending in higher priced food... goes towards the legal expenses of the attornies who are fighting tooth and nail to stop Wal-Mart. After all, its a WIN-WIN situation for the union grocery chains! How? Well here it is in a nutshell. First: Attorney costs are a legal tax deduction and Second, for every month they stall Wal-Mart Supercenter, Lodi Families must choose from Safeway, Raley's, S-Mart or Food-4-Less for most of their groceries. The PRICE they charge, we MUST pay, because we have no other choice! That is what this wal-mart Supercenter fight is all about! "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:24 PM:
T & C: It's absurd to think Lodians that do not want to see a SWM in Lodi in any way shape or form are out to prevent a citizen from shopping wherever they so desire.
Obviously, you can walk out your door and go wherever you choose.
You are free to shop where you like and that includes your current local Walmart store.
Just because you "want" this SWM monstrosity, that many Lodians believe is not a good fit for Lodi and will cost Lodi too much, is not a reason to allow this monstrosity a free pass to build in our city. "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:19 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:13 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:11 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:11 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:04 PM:
You're assuming facts that simply cannot be proven. Lodians did not vote to approve a Super Walmart in Lodi. That is simply something you beefed up to support your view. Lodians did not vote on a specific business on the corner of Lower Sac and Kettleman Lane/Hwy12.
You said, "Clearly," we don't need or want another election on the matter."
I think you say this because you know that the results of an election, that would actually ask Lodians if they want a SWM specifically, would not result in your favor.
You then go on to say, "The recent debacle of having the revised EIR revisited..."
Why in the world should Lodi allow any company to break the law or even skirt the law in order to squeeze it's business into Lodi?
I have no connection to Walmart, the unions, the grocery stores or the corporation etc. My only connection to this issue is that I care/live in Lodi. I do not believe that a SWM is in the best interest of this city and it is simply not a good fit for Lodi. "
LodiSafeway wrote on Mar 12, 2009 3:31 PM:
I've seen the artist's rendering of the new store; it looks rather nice. Certainly it will blend in quite well with the other "monstrosities" that have been built in that area of town. Or is there just as much opposition to Target, Penney's, Lowe's, Food-4-Less and the other smaller stores already there?
The anti-Wal-Mart mantra continues, but it's based upon emotion and for some outright hatred for this one corporation. Our free-enterprise system is not designed for the faint of heart - if you want to do business in the United States, you have to be prepared to compete; you also have to be prepared to fail if you cannot keep up.
This is simply the way that it is. "
Patricia wrote on Mar 12, 2009 3:02 PM:
LodiSafeway wrote on Mar 12, 2009 2:56 PM:
"Clearly," we don't need or want another election on the matter. The people have already spoken. Or is this how it's supposed to work - until one side gets the answer they want, we'll put up with ballot after ballot until the tide turns? Our system of majority-decided elections was not meant to be distorted this way.
The recent debacle of having the revised EIR revisited wasn't because it was something that "had" to be done. It was simply to avoid frivolous litigation from a group and their lawyers who will evidently stop at nothing to thwart the will of the people while denying a company that has done so much good for this City to do even better for themselves and for us. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 2:21 PM:
This is completely false, as evidenced by the struggle for SWM to be built here in Lodi. One can clearly see that most Lodians, that do not work for Walmart, do not want a SWM in Lodi. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 2:12 PM:
"Lodian.... Do less sleeping and more reading and you will catch up to 2009!
Do you even know what the heck you are talking about, Ray? "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 2:00 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 1:56 PM:
ameriCAN wrote on Mar 12, 2009 1:23 PM:
If they only cared that much about their own lower level blue collar city staff. "
mp wrote on Mar 12, 2009 1:01 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:58 PM:
"Those who choose not to shop there will have the option to buy their goods elsewhere. "!
Why is that so hard for Lodi First Union Grocery supporters to understand? "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:56 PM:
" The amount of taxes you get from a SWM won't cover the decrease from the closing businesses, nor will it cover the increase in crime, not to mention the increased polltuion, and litter. Lodi will be an extension of Stockton, the city of high mortgages, low test scores, graffiti, high auto insurance, crime, litter, etc."
I'll try to make my response simple! Wal-Mart Supercenter is a Wal-Mart with a GROCERY DEPT. added. The only stores to be affected are the High Priced Grocery stores! Boo Hoo! If one is driving to Safeway, Raley's, S-Mart or Food-4Less, the amount of Gas pollution created isn't even 1 silly Gallon! Litter can come from anywhere and the winds carry debris across Lodi! Where it lands finally doesn't mean that Store customer created it, lol! I paint over Grafitti all over town and Lodi has a man who drives arount and paints over what I can't! Higher auto insurance for driving 1 block past Food-4-Less? Where in the *ell do you get your alleged facts? Your post makes absolutely NO SENSE! "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:50 PM:
"business are closing due to the existing economy".
You hit the NAIL right on the HEAD! High food prices are an important DRAIN on everyone's Monthly INCOME! A paycheck can only stretch so far before there is NO MONEY LEFT!
Lower food prices will free up money for gas to go to work, for the mortgage payment, for that medical bill! We need to adjust and "FINETUNE" exactly where our money goes!
Wal-Mart Supercenter will offer us all, even the Grocery Union eployees and their families a lower food bill, allowing them more money to help them make ends meet. Free competition is what America ia based on. And as for monopolies...K-Mart is Nationwide, Sears and Penny's is Nationwide, as well as many many other stores! Your logic is meant to place fear in bloggers. Sorry, it ain't gonna happen! If the Grocery Union Chains LOWER their prices, they will retain customers and help families save money! Its a Win-Win situation for you, me, Lodi, And America! "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:40 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:34 PM:
Lodi First didn't FILL that building to capacity for one and only one reason: They used it as a decoy "Threat of a Lawsuit" in the hopes of intimidating the Council and public into shutting down the one thing that Grocery Union Chain Stores fear most: "Competition and an option to LOWER food prices!" But not to worry, Lodi First is in this fight all the Way to the U.S. Supreme Court because their attorney's are promising each side, in the end THEY WILL WIN! "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:29 PM:
You couldn't have said it better! Those small empty stores would be filled with retailers, who are also out for sales from shoppers! Marketing wise, that is called "Parasite marketing"...because they feed off the same buyers from the primary anchor store. Regarding the old building, there are FIVE possible options: Option #1 Remodel it into an ICE Deportation center! We all know that isn't likely. Second, Remodel it into a MALL layout of smaller shops! Three, Bulldoze it and make it into a Mall strip like the other section of the shopping center. Fourth, Let J.C. Penny re-locate into the building. Fifth...Let Super K-Mart re-locate to the building/ Fast food places build next to each other as do gas stations. Its called free Competition. Something that the Grocery Union Chain Stores have no clue what that means in America. "
Journey wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:28 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:23 PM:
I would make it a MUST that every Employer involved in the Wal-Mart Supercenter project and Sub-Contracter use E-Verification to ENSURE all are Legally in the U.S. so the wages earned stay in our county, not be wired back to Mexico! "
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:18 PM:
T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:14 PM:
lodibandito wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:11 PM:
dogs4you wrote on Mar 12, 2009 12:01 PM:
LodiSafeway wrote on Mar 12, 2009 11:56 AM:
Whether or not Lodi "needs" it is not a determining factor. Lodi needs a lot of things; but until there is higher interest in those things, they won't come to fruition. The election then determined that Lodi "wants" the store that decided to build at that one remaining corner. Last night was but one more step on a very long journey thus far to have it become reality. While there will still be opposition to the project, it will eventually be built - and a lot of people in Lodi will certainly enjoy it. Those who choose not to shop there will have the option to buy their goods elsewhere. "
Giovanina wrote on Mar 12, 2009 11:52 AM:
commonsensehere wrote on Mar 12, 2009 11:38 AM:
Can someone explain to me how this monopolized store is a good idea? How does this benefit Lodi if in no time you will see shops closing one after another? Look around people!! business are closing due to the existing economy, the last thing the our shops around Lodi need is a store taking what little business is left! Besides, has anyone looked over in Stockton? Take a 10 minute drive and look at the shopping center where the old Wal-Mart once stood? It is EMPTY! No one shops at the few establishments left because it looks dangerous!!!. That's just what we need...ANOTHER empty shopping center with trash all over that looks so dangerous even Lodi's own residents wont shop there!
WALMART you already placed a store here....WHY DOES IT NEED TO BE BIGGER? Can't you find somewhere else to place it? I mean it is 10 MINUTES from an existing one! "
LodiSafeway wrote on Mar 12, 2009 11:18 AM:
However, how many employees are there at one car dealership? How often does one person buy a car compared to purchasing groceries and other household goods? Wal-Mart isn't trying to compete with any other businesses than those who offer the same types of products.
I would think that at this point with the economy so uncertain (that may not improve for a long time to come thanks to recent pathetic attempts to stimulate it) offering our citizens the lowest prices possible would be overwhelmingly supported.
Last night the project was allowed to move forward. But there's no way the war is over. No, there'll be more attempts to thwart the construction of this store. I just hope with the victory yesterday, Wal-Mart won't give up along the way. Of course I won't blame them if they decide that Lodi simply isn't worth the trouble. "
LodiSafeway wrote on Mar 12, 2009 10:52 AM:
Clearly we're losing some tax money if our citizens are taking the advice of others to simply travel the 10 miles south to the Stockton store. During any economic climate it's best to keep as much of that money in our community as we possibly can. "
shockedinlodi wrote on Mar 12, 2009 10:40 AM:
p-eye wrote on Mar 12, 2009 10:02 AM:
Maggiecreamer wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:46 AM:
It's Maggie, the reporter. I just posted a blog on the Wal-Mart Supercenter debate and would appreciate some feedback.
You can get to it at, http://www.lodinews.com/blogs/citybuzz/ and just follow the same process to leave a comment as you do for stories.
Or as always, my e-mail is maggiec@lodinews.com.
Thanks,
Maggie "
4AStrongLodi wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:42 AM:
We need to vote her out in 2010. "
liz wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:38 AM:
bjd wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:37 AM:
4AStrongLodi wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:36 AM:
And I say this as someone who is a strong Democrat. "
4AStrongLodi wrote on Mar 12, 2009 9:35 AM:
I was at the meeting last night and I'd estimate that 75% of the attendees were from the grocery store union. Their union obviously put the fear of God in them to get them to show up. I especially liked the guy who showed up in a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey.
So, the large attendence wasn't truly about what is best for Lodi, it was about how the union can keep it's income up.
Most of the residents in Lodi want the development (remember, it will be a lot of other retail stores too) and while it will have a marginal impact on the grocery stores in town, I don't think many, if any, people wil lose their grocery store jobs because of it.
By the way, we live in a free-market economy. If Wal-Mart can succeed by finding an advantage, like lower prices or lower payroll wages, what is worng with that? "
Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:51 AM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:42 AM:
classof72 wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:34 AM:
Observer wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:17 AM:
concerned parent wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:12 AM:
citizen wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:06 AM:
fred117 wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:02 AM:
Gator wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:51 AM:
World will have a grocery and Meat department in full and direct competition with Raleys,
Safeway and Albertsons Thats it in a nut shell.. More Traffic, yes. But that is what
Civil engineers Are for Added cost for the City? In what way? Police and Fire protection are already in place Water and sewer and electrical, I believe Lodi doesnt give
their services away.. Will wallys World pay taxes on said investment, yes! Every square inch to the benefit of allAnd I still like Fred Myers better.. "
danielh wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:42 AM:
motoracn116 wrote on Mar 12, 2009 7:19 AM:
effa56 wrote on Mar 12, 2009 5:54 AM:
falcon wrote on Mar 12, 2009 4:31 AM:
The real shame Lodian is that Wal-Mart haters are quick to discriminate, loose with the facts, and completely blind to what brings freedom to people. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2009 3:26 AM:
Comments on this story are now closed.