Those of you that have read my previous blog know I am not a supporter of the proposed WalMart at 924 and Plumtree for a number of reasons. As I gather information on the proposed site and prepare for the DAC meeting I am convinced we as citizens still have opportunities to stop WalMart, or any big box store for that matter, from building at this location.
Even after the Community Input Meeting drew nearly 1000 citizens opposed to the build, and our County Executive David Craig came out publically in opposition, these cries have fallen on deaf ears at WalMart.
I made a conscious effort to not shop at the Constant Friendship WalMart in opposition. Imagine my surprise when a friend informed me that the Constant Friendship WalMart has set up a table to get people to sign a petition in favor of the new proposed location by telling them the Constant Friendship store is closing!
It seems WalMart is attempting to scare shoppers into thinking the current store is closing regardless of whether or not the proposed site is approved and the only way they will stay in the area is if they get an approval to build at 924 and Plumtree.
By using scare tactics and distorting the truth, people are more than willing to sign their petition, which I'm sure they intend to present with other documents for the DAC meeting.
WalMart is doing everything they can to destroy the quality of our lives and our neighborhoods in spite of the massive problems that will be created with a build on the proposed site.
There is a growing opposition group that is preparing documentation to present at the DAC meeting to show there are a number of valid reasons why this site is the wrong site for WalMart (or any other big box store). These aren't emotional "not in my neighborhood" reasons, but valid reasons that affect not only immediate area of the site, but that could have far reaching consequences well beyond it.
WalMart thinks it's a done deal? The battle is not over, it's just beginning, and with the support of our fellow citizens we can stop WalMart from building on the proposed site.
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Note to Abingdon residents only, the topic of the Abingdon Community Council meeting 8/27 is WalMart. Meeting is 630PM at the Abingdon Library.
FYI- Comprehensive zoning is done every eight years BUT the county executive can initiate it at any time. Craig can stop ithe Walmart by changing the zoning.