Blacksburg does not need the outflow of local money, we don't need to reverse any cultural development, we don't need the degradation of the local economy, we don’t need the traffic and we don’t need and empty big box when they don’t develop a Wal-Mart sized profit margin and leave.
This scale of development in Blacksburg is not desired, nor is it needed. All of these sized buildings are already located in Christiansburg and work well there.
The identity of a town is never the same after the big box stores come in--I've seen it multiple times--and it's a slap in the face to the local businesspeople--your friends and neighbors. All for cheaper, mostly un-needed "stuff."
I would like to ask the planning commission not to wait a full month before holding a public hearing on this topic. We need to move fast.
Since big box buildings will still be allowed with a special permit, I also think we should consider making the tipping point a little lower - perhaps 50,000 sq ft (the current size of the S. Main Kroger).
This is the last thing we want in Blacksburg - if we aren't careful we'll have another Big Box Christiansburg in place of our once-small, pedestrain-friendly community.
I fully support this but fear that it will prove futile. Just look at what has happened to our town in the past several years. It's sad to see the character of Blacksburg being sucked away by all the chain stores.
I fully support this but fear that it will prove futile. Just look at what has happened to our town in the past several years. It's sad to see character of Blacksburg being sucked away by all the chain stores.
Why have more development in a town that strives to preserve a "small town" atmosphere. Are we really growing too lazy to drive down the road 15 or so miles and shop at the stores there?
I urge the town council and local citizens to support this ordinance. Let's follow in the footsteps of other localities that have succesfully resisted the big boxes. Those of us who are concerned also need to band together and continue our intelligence efforts. As one friend of mine recently pointed out, Wal-Mart is famous for its bait and switch tactics, where it generates controversy around one site and then quickly swoops in and builds elsewhere, often just outside the town or city limits. We cannot allow this to happen.
The opening of a big box in Blacksburg will result in the closing of the few small businesses we have left. Prepare yourself for the reduction in choice and service. On a more national and global level, suppliers are forced to relocate plants overseas to meet low price demands. Big Box stores are the largest importers of Chinese goods, nearly 10 percent of all Chinese goods sold in the United States, which currently has a $124 billion trade deficit with China. By supporting foreign-made goods on such a massive scale, the company that trumpets its All-American image is creating incentives for corporations to destroy good jobs and small towns in the United States.
Big stores make a small town lose it's homey feel. By brining one superstore, it will bring others and eventually Blacksburg could lose it's beauty and undeveloped wilderness in the surrounding areas.
I think that the proposed location for a Wal Mart is a terrible spot. Traffic has already gotten much worse on South Main in the last couple of years and the addition of a Wal Mart in this spot would only multiply this problem. If you live on the North Main end of town, it would take you at least 20 minutes to get to this Walmart, so it would be just as fast to hop on 460 and go to the one in Christiansburg... so what's the point in having one there. The people who live in Airport Acres are the only ones that would have easy access to this store and I'm sure they don't want the noise and staidum lights associated with these types of stores.
Locally owned stores are what makes Blacksburg what it is and gives it a great small-town feel. Big-box stores are not needed and they do not belong here.
As Blacksburg grows, it is important to remember what keeps people coming to the town--its atmosphere. The last thing we need is big box stores in our downtown next to our historic district and largest elementary school. Keep the big chains in Christiansburg which is already so far down the road of big development that it can't come back.
Don't know much about Blacksburg, having never been there, but do know a lot about WalMart. Have been boycotting for years, and have helped others with their former addiction to the low prices. See WalMartWatch.com for more on them. Unless something has changed recently, they have the largest class action suit sex-discrimination suit ever, and more importantly, in my opinion, is the impact on your community's small businesses. Saw senate hearing recently that proved that small businesses are what keeps our families afloat. WalMart keeps CEOs and shareholders with more of the people's money and keep sweat shops the norm in other countries (as well as our own). Read up on how other cities and counties have kept WalMart out. It may be a lot of work, but not much comes easy.
In peace, Rain
Richmond VA
I'm appalled and dismayed that anyone would even consider allowing this to happen to my town. The fact that Blacksburg had managed to keep these major chains out of its town was precisely why I moved here nine years ago. It will be a true disgrace if we lose this battle.
In a time where the trajectory is one of expansion and growth, Blacksburg is an anomaly. It continues to preserve the diversity and atmosphere of a small town. Let's work to keep it that way.
I am in favor Ordinance 1450. The development of something that would have such an impact, on many levels, in our town certainly warrants the extra consideration that this law would require.
It's disturbing that a town like Blacksburg, known for being progressive and friendly to artists and small businesses, would consider inviting in a corporate pariah like Wal-Mart. This behemoth has wiped out small businesses across the country. It is the target of the largest sex-discrimination court suit in U.S. history. It exploits immigrants and destroys good-paying jobs. We urge the residents of Blacksburg to reject this effort to undermine the very things that make Blacksburg an attractive place in which to live and to visit.
Phil Wilayto
Editor
The Richmond Defender
thank you so much for starting this petition. the last thing we need is another wal-mart, let alone a wal-mart that will dominate the landscape and business market.
Who needs more big box stores when there are all the ones you could possibly need 3 miles down the road? I'm fine driving out there. Keep them out of Blacksburg, and keep the town unique.
There is no need to have another store that further exploits the people of this area. These stores hurt local business, lower wages and export manufacturing jobs, which further's people's dependence on shopping at cheap stores.
Please don't sell out Blacksburg by allowing a store that would destroy downtown. Support a variety of smaller stores instead--you'll be doing goot for everyone.
It's our locally owned downtown businesses that make Blacksburg a special place. Don't let Blacksburg turn into another generic town - keep big box stores out of Blacksburg and keep local dollars in the community.
