The town of Blacksburg, VA has teamed up with BURG, Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth. BURG's mission "is to promote the development of commercial activity in Blacksburg in a way that enhances the town’s distinctive character, maintains the integrity of its neighborhoods, and promotes environmental sustainability. We support measures that improve the viability of locally-owned businesses, encourage pedestrian-friendly development, help revitalize Blacksburg’s downtown, limit sprawl, and preserve open spaces." Based on these criteria, BURG, and the town of Blacksburg are fighting back against Wal-Mart.

They've got one more shot to stop the store using the courts with an upcoming case in the State Supreme Court, but BURG says they won't stop there. We support BURG and the great work they're doing.

If you live in the area, join with them to keep their town independent, locally owned, sustainable, open and sprawl free.

Check out the article from Planet Blacksburg:

Blacksburg's Wal-Mart Fight Continues Jenna Nichols

The fight for a Wal-Mart in Blacksburg continues as the Virginia Supreme Court grants an appeal to the January 24, 2008 ruling of Ordinance 1450.

Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth (BURG) and the Town of Blacksburg will have one more chance to fight for keeping Wal-Mart out of Blacksburg. A ruling by Montgomery County Circuit Court judge Robert Turk allowed Fairmont Properties to construct the box store by over turning the ordinance just as the Board of Zoning Appeals had done months earlier.

The Virginia Supreme Court was scheduled to hear oral arguments from BURG and the Town of Blacksburg on August 27, 2008. Before the groups spoke in front of the three-judge panel, they were informed that the appeal had already been granted based on the review of written arguments.

The hearing is expected to be set within the next few weeks. Members of BURG expect that the hearing will take place in late winter of 2008 or spring of 2009.

If the court rules in favor of BURG and the Town of Blacksburg, Fairmont Properties would then have to reissue site construction plans and seek special permission from the Town of Blacksburg to begin construction.

Daniel Breslou, chairman of BURG's steering committee, said that if the Virginia Supreme Court allows Fairmont Properties to construct a box store on the site then it is not exactly the end of the road for BURG's fight.

While legally the fight would be over for Fairmont Properties opposition there are other ways to continue. Breslou said, "We would make sure to keep in touch with Wal-Mart and let them know that the community is against [the construction]. We would use persuasion to fight."