TheReporter.com, CA
10-15-06
SuperCenter isn't suitable for Suisun City
I was dismayed to open my mail and learn the city of Suisun is considering a
Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Not only is the proposed location, Highway 12 and
Walters Road, questionable, but the short- to long-term effects could be
devastating to the prosperity and growth of Suisun City.
Those effects include increases in traffic, congestion, pollution and crime and
decreases in property values, community appeal and local businesses.
Highway 12 and Walters Road border two quiet, peaceful residential areas. Only
recently has Walters Road been improved to accommodate the additional traffic.
No longer is there congestion along Walters Road during commute hours (even
though there is a growing speeding problem).
Establishing a Wal-Mart SuperCenter would increase traffic congestion,
especially at the intersection of Walters Road and Peterson Road.
Complimenting the traffic congestion would be increased noise and traffic to the
bordering neighborhoods, possibly decreasing property values, their appeal and
increasing crime.
Furthermore, why is a Wal-Mart SuperCenter necessary with four Wal-Marts
located within a 25-mile radius of Suisun City? The closest is only down the road
at Highway 12 and Chadbourne Road.
Candidate Mike Hudson states: "My vision for Suisun City is one of a prosperous,
thriving community"
Candidate Shelly Kontogiannis states: "I would like to see new businesses move
to town to help its economy thrive".
Candidate Sam Derting states: "The city needs to increase its commitment to
business and to the community beyond its old downtown waterfront along Main
Street."
Maybe it is time for an administration change.
Undoubtedly, the first business to be affected and possibly close will be the minimart/gas station on the corner of Walters and Petersen roads. How is that a
commitment to prospering the community and attracting more local businesses?
Wal-Mart has had its share of detrimental publicity for many communities:
• A 2002 economic study by professors from the Iowa State University
Economic Department showed the negative economic effects from opening a
Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Invariably, local merchants can expect a moderate to
severe decrease in business, further proving the detriment of such growth to
Suisun City.
• San Francisco, Turlock and Martinez have each moved to block Wal-Mart
SuperCenters, while Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Oakland and
Bakersfield have voted to keep Wal-Mart SuperCenters out of their areas.
• A Berkeley economic study revealed the additional costs that low-paid Wal-Mart
workers place on government services.
• Stacie Mitchell's latest book, "The Big-Box Swindle," further substantiates the
detriments and economic fatalities a Wal-Mart SuperCenter can cause.
While Wal-Mart is one of the great American success stores, it appears its
SuperCenters do not offer many advantages to local businesses, especially in
Suisun City.
Isn't there a message in the fact that larger, local metropolitan areas are moving
to keep Wal-Mart SuperCenters out of their area? What then can be the
advantages to Suisun City?
This proposal looks suspiciously as a move to pad local politicians' pockets, as
opposed to any advantage for growth, development or prosperity for the city.
In all fairness, I would welcome the opportunity to hear the facts which support
this move as a true economic advantage to Suisun City, it's growth, development
and prosperity. Hopefully, such information would be offered in a widely
published forum with enough advanced notice so all concerned Suisun City could
attend.
If not, I implore Suisun's City Councilmembers to be true to their constituents,
stand by their rhetoric, act in the best interest of the community and local
businesses and turn down the proposal from Wal-Mart Corp.