[Winona Online Democracy] There is one thing that is not being said enough as we talk about Walmart and development in general...and that is that we have a terrific mayor in Jerry Miller.
We had a great talk about Riverbend this morning. Talking about design, I asked him if Riverbend couldn't look more like Winona than Onalaska...he responded by asking me if Target or HyVee looks like Winona...I said 'I don't know'...he said 'I don't either.' I asked him if we are learning from this process and will we handle future developments better...he said 'yes, I believe we will...' He also pointed out that Menards is the most landscaped big box retailer in town, and he is right. He also reminded me that the city built the Vila Street extension to Highway 61...for those of you who don't remember...thousands of cars a day used to cruise through the Winona Mall parking lot for a shortcut from Gilmore to 61. No one complained that that project was only to benefit KMart...nor will I complain about street projects that some say is subsidizing WalMart with improvements. Walmart is a legitimate business that wants to come to our community and provide service in an area that has been, historically, chronically under-retailed. How long have we needed a grocery store in the east end? Bambenek's wasn't much of a store (great meat...little other selection), but it was something...and its been gone for years. The decision to open a portion of Riverbend to retail was an open and public discussion...and I believe that the remainder of Riverbend will remain for manufacturing...I forgot to ask the mayor, but I know that the city manager lurks on this list...Eric, am I right when I say there would be hell to pay if all of Riverbend were to go retail? I know I'd go ballistic. There is no cabal operating out of City Hall with designs to thwart the best interests of our community. Folks are doing their best. I do know one thing about WalMart...they are big United Way supporters. That's a great thing. And they won't be the first low-wage, low-benefit employer in town by any means. Bob Sebo Winona _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
