Another community is united in opposition to Wal-Mart. Residents of Johnson City, NY organized a protest against a new supercenter in their area, citing concerns that it will destroy local businesses. From News 10 Now Binghamton:
Bold signs that read "One is Enough" or "Develop, Don't Destroy." Signs that are even written in other languages. But when it comes down to it, all of them mean this: "Wal-Mart No." More than 40 people gathered at the proposed site on Sunday to reiterate those words."We're here for our community. We see the limits of what retail and big box stores can do and we see a better alternative for Johnson City. We're here to say we can have an alternative, we can have a voice, so we shouldn't settle for the first thing that comes," said Andrew Epstein, the Coalition for Positive Revitalization organizer.
"What they're going to do is put in a big box store and then within a decade, they're going to take it away and it's going to be a vacant property and in the process of that, they're going to wipe out most of the local businesses that are still left in this community," said Natalie Goncharov, a Coalition for Positive Revitalization member.
The meeting was more of a brainstorm session than a rally. They spoke about possible alternatives.
"The community really needs something that will keep students in the area, that will keep people with bachelor's degrees, people with higher education around the area rather than people who are going to make $7 an hour, $6 an hour, barely enough for a living wage," said Yoni Levin, a Johnson City resident.Suggestions ranged from convention centers for startup businesses to areas of recreation.
"We have a lot of kids in the area with nothing to do. Like a roller skating rink, bowling alley, Chuck E. Cheese, something for the kids," said Denise Brady, a Johnson City resident.
This Tuesday, a meeting will be held at the village courthouse. It will be the final decision over whether or not this area, will be rezoned as retail space. And many of the people here say they'll be there, to vote no.
Posted by James - October 1, 2007 02:03 PM - Action