Bob,
Winona First DID actually bring up, many times, concerns about the development pattern, lot size and division, lack of design standards, run-off absorption zones, lack of economic impact studies, environmental impact studies, traffic studies, concerns about the effect of yet another big box on Winona's economic future and identity as a river city with historical significance. I wasn't able to attend Monday's city council meeting, but I was at earlier planning commission meetings and city council meetings so I have to rely upon what was reported in the news media about the events of Monday's meeting. However, I was one of the 5% Mr. Krage spoke with who is not in favor of Wal Mart, precisely because of concerns about development, store size, lack of design standards, lack of economic impact studies, etc. and other concerns you mentioned in your post.
If the council addressed those concerns, it was not at meetings I was able to attend. From my perspective as a citizen, I felt the decision to approve the WalMart proposal was rushed. I heard the council state that they felt it had been well discussed. However, those discussions were not public, except as played out on editorial pages, letters to the editor and posts on WOD. The city council gave the appearance, at least, of attempting to circumvent the public meetings/public discussion process by holding meetings in series with a representative of Wal Mart. This was unfortunate, because the city council gave the appearance of 'back room' dealings. Public discourse between elected officials may be time consuming and messy, but it does help build understanding in the public of how and why decisions were reached. There isn't always agreement about the best course of action to pursue on any issue, but the process and reasoning behind decisions needs to be seen and heard to be understood and accepted.
Terri Hyle
From: "Bob Sebo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Winona] 363 Days Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2003 17:35:17 -0600
Gerry and Dean and everyone...
I'm not really emotionally involved in the WalMart debate...the only time I have ever been in a WalMart has been in Antigo, Wisconsin...because it is the only grocery store within an hour's drive of where my family has been vacationing the last couple of summers...it is a nice store.
Walmart opponents were, I think, appropriately rebuffed by council last night because they didn't use the right arguments. They derided WalMart, when that word was nowhere to be found in the plat being considered.
Why didnt "Winona First" argue against the development pattern, lot size and division, lack of design standards, run-off absorption zones...whatever...something that council and staff would actually have listened to?
Councilmembers and staff are doing their jobs. There is no smoke filled room where decisions are being made (since City Hall is smoke free they would have to burn toast). But I am curious why no one has addressed my concerns about the Riverbend retail development...it sounds like Menards and WalMart and 9 little boxes with businesses along a frontage road...how charming...it sounds like Crossing Meadows Drive without the Sam's Club and Papa Murphy's and the other small businesses...Why are there no design standards in place? Will there be sidewalks in this area? Can we make it be more like Winona than Onalaska?
I think the simple answer is that its been so long since we've had a "Daddy Warbucks" come to town that we forgot some of the questions to ask up front.
Bob Sebo Winona
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