Got this from Good Growth DeKalb this morning. They're protesting on Friday the forthcoming construction of a Walmart Supercenter in Suburban Plaza. Just an FYI if you see them out on the streets:
On Friday, August 10, Good Growth DeKalb will hold the third in a series of three summer rallies to protest the building of a 149,000 square foot Walmart Supercenter at Suburban Plaza in Decatur. The rally will take place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Medlock Road, North Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard.
Good Growth DeKalb is an organization of DeKalb County residents who object to the impact such a development would have on that already dangerous and heavily-trafficked 6-way intersection. This group promotes smart, sustainable growth with a focus on local, small, mid-sized and neighborhood-friendly businesses, and believes that Walmart represents the opposite of all these values.
"We believe that Walmart is the opposite of a good neighbor," says Staci Dixon, Co-Chair of Good Growth DeKalb." "Both Walmart and Selig Enterprises, owner of Suburban Plaza, are concerned only with profit, while giving lipservice to 'working with the community.' They are not concerned with the dangers to emergency vehicle traffic, how long it takes residents to get out of our neighborhoods, reduced property values invariably associated with Walmart, loss of all the jobs connected with small, local businesses, or the heavy impact on county infrastructure. Walmart also represents the very worst in employment practices, both domestically and world-wide."
In July, Good Growth DeKalb met with Selig Enterprises and presented 3,056 petition signatures. In the last 8 months, Good Growth DeKalb has done extensive neighborhood canvassing and found that 75% of residents are opposed to Walmart and only 5% are in favor, with the remainder neutral or undecided. Approximately 500 yard signs opposing the development dot the surrounding neighborhoods.
Last month's rally, on July 13, was attended by State Representatives Rahn Mayo and Karla Drenner, as well as DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon and her recent opponent, Edmond Richardson. The rally was interrupted by driving rain after about 40 minutes; only Rahn Mayo came early enough to get out of his car, and spoke at a press conference from beneath an umbrella during the intense rain. Good Growth DeKalb had planned to unfurl three large scrolls of petition signatures, but the rain prevented that as well. The group plans to unfurl the scrolls again on August 10.
Numerous elected officials have been invited to Friday's rally. Good Growth DeKalb will rally rain or shine.