JW
-
The Basics
-
JW on Patch
-
More Stuff
Comments
-
On the article Caledonia Walmart Plans Take a Hit
-
On the article Caledonia Walmart Plans Take a Hit
JW
10:46 am on Friday, May 17, 2013
ReplyOk KEEPER, we get your point. I am generally opinionated and outgoing in that sense when its a topic I believe in. But I am one who would rather discuss something than wear a button, tshirt or put a sign in my yard. Plus, those opposed to anything are more likely to do those things than someone who is a proponent would be. Those opposed to anything tend to be more likely to be offended and perhaps act on something. A pro-Walmart sign on a yard would be more likely to receive backlash from anti-Walmart people than the other way around. That same concept comes into play in public forums. I went to the one at Gifford Elementary and I made sure to talk to the reporters and Walmart people there to let them I know I supported the idea and plans. In the meeting I didnt say as much because the crowd at the meeting was clearly made up 20 to 1 of those who opposed it. The very nature of things like this is that NIMBYs, HORSEYs and any other opposed end up highly motivated to rearrange plans and get to these meetings to display their side. Those who would like more retail development, whether Walmart, Target, or any other... are not as motivated to go attend meetings and be vocal about it. This is why this thing should be based more on a referrendum than on the squeeky wheel factor. In a 20 to 1 style scenario, its harder for most people to speak out against a marority. But a majority viewpoint in a meeting doesn't mean that's the majority viewpoint in a community.
-
On the article Caledonia Walmart Plans Take a Hit
JW
3:01 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013
ReplyJune,
Part of choosing where to buy a house is whether it is near a major highway or open field that could potentially be developed into retail, appartments, anything. Zoning can change... but these things tend to happen in existing open spaces and very often right on major roads. This is why when I bought, these factors were considerations just as looking at the elevation of the land and making sure I didnt buy a property in a potential flood zone. The reason this current less than ideal site is being proposed is because the prior proposal at a better location for this was shot down by the NIMBYs there.
-
On the article Caledonia Walmart Plans Take a Hit
JW
12:05 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013
Another Million,
If I recall correctly someone pointed out the currently proposed location as an alternative during the meeting at Gifford Elementary when Hwy 31 and 4 Mile was the proposal. So that probably put it in their mind. They also stated that the general area they chose originally was based on the population around a 3 mile radius or so... and that is also why a 94 corridor location does not appeal to them... I believe they were trying to cater to the population north of hwy 38 in the south and near and east of hwy 31 and hwy 32. Someone proposed 6 mile road area too, but then that puts the radius too north with little in the north half of the circle from that location. Again, I think 4 Mile and Hwy 31 is a perfect location for a shopping center on the one corner.
-
On the article Caledonia Walmart Plans Take a Hit
JW
10:55 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013
ReplyAnd for the record, I am not against "Horsey people" or anyone who likes rural areas, horses, or really any particular hobby or interest... they just shouldn't be able to overapply their influence compared to the rest and that is the only reason it is used as a derogatory reference in our area at times.
-
On the article Caledonia Walmart Plans Take a Hit
JW
10:46 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013
ReplyI live in a subdivision... its not a rural area. The majority of Caledonia citizens live in subdivisions and populated areas rather than in what would be defined as a rural area. 'Splain to me, Lucifer, why Caledonia should not be able to add more services for its population, should the horsey people get more say per person than others? NIMBY's I understand, though I dont agree with them and think they should typically be overlooked because there will always be some for any proposal at any location. Large plots of land on major roads should almost always be in play for commercial development and should not be a shock to nearby residents when the land gets used for something. Don't live on a major road or highway if you are worried about expansion or growth affecting you.
-
On the article Police Confirm Man Committed Suicide in Train vs Car Accident
JW
10:12 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013
His actions were selfish and do not deserve sugar coating... mental illness is a reason for bad actions... it is not and should not be an excuse.
-
On the article Caledonia Walmart Plans Take a Hit
JW
10:07 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013
ReplyI agree about the bad element Lexi!... Honestly, I think it should go back to the originally proposed site on the corner of HWY 31 and 4 Mile. No matter where it is proposed the NIMBY and horsey people are going to have a fit... put it where it makes sense to go, on the intersection of a major highway and major cross road. The prior round is why we are wasting our time now on a location that is admittedly not the greatest location. I am just tired of more services being shot down with propaganda and goofy ribbon, sign, and t-shirt people. I'd like to see what the majority of Caledonia citizens think, not just those who are always vocally opposed to the latest proposed location.
-
On the article Homicide Suspect 'Tortured' Little Boy to Death, District Attorney Says
JW
5:04 pm on Monday, May 13, 2013
ReplyMoms also have to be very careful who they choose to date and especially watch if there are any physical or behavioral changes in their children that might indicate a problem. The child cannot defend themselves, the parent has to look out for them. I am not saying the mom was ultimately responsible for what happened, the boyfriend was, but she at the very least failed to notice signs of issues, unless all of these signs happened for the first time during the events that lead up to the poor little guy's death. Very sad.
-
On the article Residents: 'No' to Walmart, 'Yes' to Smaller Retail
JW
8:44 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013
ReplyPropose a Walmart anywhere and you will get 100+ citizens boycotting at meetings and putting signs on their property. No one wants one when its too close to them... and that is the main reason they are against it. I dont see the houses near the last location with anti-Walmart signs currently, just as I didnt see the anti-Walmart signs the last time in the area they are now.
JW
12:36 pm on Friday, May 17, 2013
As I have said before, I prefered the prior propsed location. However, NIMBY's shot down that location. So, since that minority strong armed their opinions and shifted it to the new location, the plans shifted to the new propsed location.
I would rather have it at Hwy 31 and 4 Mile road, but I would also rather have it at the proposed location than not have it at all. If traffic goes up.. I am ok with that. If taxes go up a little across the board, I am ok with that too. Traffic going up on 4 mile is certainly no worse than not even having access to that route for nearly 2 years, which is how it has been lately. The hwy 31 and 4 Mile location aleviated most of the traffic issues and put it in an area where there is room for lane expansion to the north too. It was a good location.
So... NIMBY set #2... get mad at NIMBY set #1 because they are the ones that pushed it from a better location to a more questionable one.
I have no doubt that either proposal will get heavy customer usage. Talking location overall, while on 31 or 32 makes the most sense currently, 4 Mile makes a reasonable growth option from cutting between them. There is a business in the area, post office there... it is close to a potential light rail station should that plan return in the future. Both sides of 4 mile could be developed differently over time. It is not as bad a location as it may seem once the NIMBY factor is removed. We can't be held back by NIMBY thinking forever.