The following was sent in by a representative from "Residents Against A Sellwood/Ardenwald Walmart," a group in Oregon opposing a proposed Wal-Mart in their community:

Plans for the proposed Wal-Mart were stealthily developed. The neighborhood learned of them when city councilor Sam Adams wrote a strongly worded letter to Wal-Mart opposing its development on SE McLoughlin and Tacoma Blvd. The proposal impacts businesses and residents in both the Ardenwald neighborhood (in Milwaukie) and Sellwood neighborhood (in Portland). Howard Dietrich, of Nelson Development, is the owner and leading proponent of the Wal-Mart development.

The proposed Wal-Mart plans parking for 500 cars, all of which will have to travel via Tacoma Blvd from the west or Johnson Creek Blvd. from the east. The increased traffic is expected to deteriorate neighborhoods by being pedestrian-unfriendly, in opposition to neighborhood plans for reduced traffic on Tacoma Blvd (work that is already underway for several years), and require additional traffic controls. Significant traffic clogs could be expected at ramps on the Tacoma overpass and the Sellwood bridge. Additionally, the age and condition of the Sellwood bridge cannot handle the increased traffic.

A neighborhood coalition of businesses and residents has quickly formed to oppose the development. The group is already distributing information to area residents, local events, and other neighborhood associations. Petitions are circulating as neighbors canvass the area and are posted in area businesses. Signs are being posted on lawns, in cars, and on overpasses during drive times.

A web site, www.nosellwoodwalmart.com, has meeting times and locations, contact information, and email signup. Petitions can be downloaded, as well as posters and a sample letter stating opposition. The next meeting is June 30th at 7 PM at the SMILE building on SE Tenino and SE 13th.

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