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Recent example of a Target Express mini-store in an urban Minneapolis area. |
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By MAXINE NIMBY |
Case
in point: Is the arrival of the proposed Target Express store (14% of the big
store) good for South Park or any MidCity neighborhood?
Granted,
the landlords could have done a better job reaching out to the community to learn
what the residents of the area thought was needed in that space. But they didn’t
have to--so they didn’t.
But
as citizens, we have a right to express opinions to the landlord and the city
officials.
Yes,
in many cases landlords have been swayed by organized and civil public opinion.
Any
of us can contribute to the public debate, however the media should understand
voices of the few do not represent the community as a whole.
Ask
ourselves are the naysayers the usual NIMBYs or are the voices in opposition
coming from organized opposition, including civic clubs in the area, community
associations, respected residents and the in place community planning groups?
But
before we grab the tar and feathers to swab NIMBYs or the landlord, let’s drop
Councilman Todd Gloria a note stating our thoughts. Input is key.
We elect district representation to speak for us. That’s why we pay them the big bucks, right?
And,
let’s ask ourselves a couple of questions.
Honest answers will probably be enough to sway you to a decision.
--Will
I shop at the newbie business being proposed?
--Are
the products offered something that the MAJORITY of the neighborhood could use?
--Does
this business have a good reputation?
Are the owners good neighbors in other communities?
--Will
the parking lot be available for neighboring business to use?
--Will
the new business be of wider service to the whole community than the previous
one.
--Will
the previous business be sorely missed?
Hardly missed?
In
1997, North Park News led a huge
editorial campaign to keep a big box out of North Park because the big box was
gobbling up a prime one block stretch of University Avenue and that big box was
turning its back on the street—walling off one block.
The
community didn’t let the newspaper speak for them. Instead many banded together as diverse
groups with the same agenda. Many spoke
at community association meetings; many spoke at citizens planning groups, many
offered feedback on what alternative ideas the space could be used for.
In
that way, the community was truly united.
All
community groups made stands.
City
fathers and mothers listened.
Action
kept the big box out of North Park.
Fortunately,
no one waited until an anti-spokesman
could be found.
Media
coverage:
UT San
Diego:
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