The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a story in Sunday’s edition updating the status — and mixed reception — of some of the new Walmarts proposed for the area. And the story quotes me.
You can read the piece by Tom Daykin here.
Here is the section on South Milwaukee …
In November, the Common Council approved plans to sell a city-owned lot to Gatlin as part of the Walmart site. The plan for the larger 10-acre site, west of Chicago Ave., one block south of College Ave., is expected to be filed soon.
Ald. Erik Brooks, whose district borders the Walmart site, says he’s heard from more Walmart supporters than opponents.
“I think they like the idea of a shopping source close by,” Brooks said. “We really don’t have big-box retail in South Milwaukee.”
Brooks also said the store would provide economic benefits, including about 200 jobs.
Ald. Mike Karbowski, whose district includes the site, said some residents are concerned about the effects of store traffic and water run-off.
But the benefits, he said, include property tax revenue generated by the development.
I think the story was well-done, and my quotes are accurate. Indeed, at community events, while on the campaign trail and simply talking to neighbors and friends, I have heard more positive than negative comments on the proposed Walmart so far.
The same holds true on my blog.
One reason I created this blog was to drive a community dialog on key issues (like the proposed Walmart) and give residents and others a forum to discuss them. The poll question (albeit admittedly unscientific and far from perfect) is one of those vehicles, and the strong response to the Walmart question the past couple of months has been as good a measuring stick as any for me on community reaction to the development.
Respondents have been overwhelmingly positive — more than 2-to-1 in favor of the store since the poll was published. And there is still time to vote. I will keep the poll question up at least a couple more weeks, so if you haven’t already weighed in, please do so.
Your feedback on this and every issue is important to me. The Journal Sentinel does not state this, but I have not made up my mind on the Walmart development, and I remain anxious to learn more about the plan, get some key questions answered and hear more of your thoughts. Let me know what you think. I promise to listen and take your perspective to heart as this moves ahead.
South Milwaukee Blog 