Sean Ryan writes:
"CVS still resists putting doors or even windows on the streetside. Let's not let them run the show, make some demands and stick to our guns. We want more mixed use, let's make it happen!"
Vicky comments:
Is public money involved in the CVS Pharmacy site development? If not, it's none of our business what they do or don't do with private property....as long as they comply with zoning and code requirements.
They run the show because they pay the bills. The more costly the development, the more expensive the products/services/dwelling units will be. High prices don't help the poor.
If you don't like CVS, or Wal-Mart, or any big box, you don't have to shop there, but don't force your prejudices upon others.
The attitude that Sean reflects is costing Minneapolis a lot of money. Not only do big boxes pay hefty property taxes, but they also generate lots of sales taxes for the City. Lots of people love to shop at big boxes. Now, they must drive to the burbs to get low prices. Minneapolis gets exhaust fumes, but no tax revenue.
Setting aside the pleasant fantasy that we can all get rich by selling each other marked-up imported goods, I don't think that Minneapolis can and should compete with the 'burbs on big box, big parking lot retail. Smaller-scale specialty electronics retailers like the Apple store near uptown would seem more appropriate for the city.
On the other hand, if Target could be wooed to take a gamble on a downtown store, why could'nt, say, Best Buy, not be convinced to join the downtown retail boom?
Mike Jensvold, East Isles
Of course, consumers can shop on-line and completely avoid paying for brick and mortar taxes, payroll, green space, etc.
Minneapolis NEEDS businesses badly, big ones and small ones.
Vicky Heller Cedar-Riverside and North Oaks
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