Please feel free to leave comments at anytime. I want this to be a tool for organizing and talking about this important issue. Keep checking back for further information and updates.
Thanks for caring!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Helpful Links
I will be trying to post really great links on a variety of subjects and ideas for action. Keep checking back.
In Her Own Words-The Mayor Writes Back
Amy: I thank you for your heartfelt comments regarding the arrival of the
Alco store in the Annandale area.
You are very correct in stating that St.Cloud and Buffalo are neighboring
communities that offer a variety of shopping opportunities for the citizens
of Annandale. It is a correct assumption that we have properly zoned
commercial areas where some of these same types of stores could be built-
allowing our citizens to shop locally.
It is not the responsibility of the city council to dictate which businesses
may or may not open in Annandale. We are not in a position to limit how many
businesses may come. Our hope is to see a diversity that will benefit all
the citizens of the greater community. Does this mean that competition for
that same dollar spent increases? Absolutely!
I appreciate the invitation for Sunday evening but regret that I will be
unable to attend.
Alco store in the Annandale area.
You are very correct in stating that St.Cloud and Buffalo are neighboring
communities that offer a variety of shopping opportunities for the citizens
of Annandale. It is a correct assumption that we have properly zoned
commercial areas where some of these same types of stores could be built-
allowing our citizens to shop locally.
It is not the responsibility of the city council to dictate which businesses
may or may not open in Annandale. We are not in a position to limit how many
businesses may come. Our hope is to see a diversity that will benefit all
the citizens of the greater community. Does this mean that competition for
that same dollar spent increases? Absolutely!
I appreciate the invitation for Sunday evening but regret that I will be
unable to attend.
Dear Ms. Mayor
So I thought I would write a letter to the mayor and the council members.
Here is the letter I sent:
Good Morning,
I want to first thank you for your service and commitment to the town
of Annandale. I know you put in many long hours for little monetary
reciprocation, and don't always get thanked or appreciated. I
appreciate you.
Annandale is an amazing town that I am so fiercely proud of. Many of
my college friends who are living out of state or closer to the Twin
Cities cannot believe what a paradise we have here, the diversity of
the lakes and countryside, a charming historic downtown, the
familiarity we all have we each other as community members, the fact
that I don't always lock my front door even when I'm not at home, and
the proximity of much larger communities. We are truly unique and I
have committed myself to raising my family here, coming back to my
own family roots, because of these wonderfully unique Annandale
qualities. When people ask me what my favorite Holiday is I can
easily and quickly answer them-4th of July in Annandale. There is
not a day that exemplifies more the strength of community and pride
over our downtown and lakes.
Consequently, I am urging you and the council members to oppose the
proposed ALCO retail development. I truly believe that stamping the
approval would be short sighted and extremely detrimental to all of
Annandale's current business and would eventually, leave you with
more empty retail spaces in Annandale. Perhaps, even the ALCO
building would over time and when the extended lease ran out be an
empty shell-there aren't any historical ties to Annandale from ALCO
so why would they be committed to staying in this community if it
wasn't profitable? An ALCO closed last year in tOhio while two
Duckwalls stores where closed, they filed for Bankruptcy in 1989 and
closed 52 stores, and most recently on April 27th the CEO resigned
from his position. All new businesses take a risk, but is this a
risk the city of Annandale wants to wager all of their family
businesses and taxes on?
So you say Annandale is changing and it will bring in something the
Annadale consumers wantm including jobs. I agree Annandale needs to
keep up with its citizens as the city grows and changes. This area
needs new jobs with decent wages, not a lateral movement of the
workforce from current retailers to ALCO. This area needs local
dollars to stay in the local economy instead of sending them down a
pipeline to Abilene, Kansas. Economic development must be something
carefully planned with broad input from multiple sources, rather than
the brainchild of an impulsive few.
I know in my heart that you want what's best for Annandale and that
is why I again urge to say no to this project.
I am organizing some community members who feel the same way I do
this Sunday, 7 p.m., at the coffeehouse. I invite you come and have
a positive dialogue with the community members you represent.
My warmest regards,
Amy Sparks
Here is the letter I sent:
Good Morning,
I want to first thank you for your service and commitment to the town
of Annandale. I know you put in many long hours for little monetary
reciprocation, and don't always get thanked or appreciated. I
appreciate you.
Annandale is an amazing town that I am so fiercely proud of. Many of
my college friends who are living out of state or closer to the Twin
Cities cannot believe what a paradise we have here, the diversity of
the lakes and countryside, a charming historic downtown, the
familiarity we all have we each other as community members, the fact
that I don't always lock my front door even when I'm not at home, and
the proximity of much larger communities. We are truly unique and I
have committed myself to raising my family here, coming back to my
own family roots, because of these wonderfully unique Annandale
qualities. When people ask me what my favorite Holiday is I can
easily and quickly answer them-4th of July in Annandale. There is
not a day that exemplifies more the strength of community and pride
over our downtown and lakes.
Consequently, I am urging you and the council members to oppose the
proposed ALCO retail development. I truly believe that stamping the
approval would be short sighted and extremely detrimental to all of
Annandale's current business and would eventually, leave you with
more empty retail spaces in Annandale. Perhaps, even the ALCO
building would over time and when the extended lease ran out be an
empty shell-there aren't any historical ties to Annandale from ALCO
so why would they be committed to staying in this community if it
wasn't profitable? An ALCO closed last year in tOhio while two
Duckwalls stores where closed, they filed for Bankruptcy in 1989 and
closed 52 stores, and most recently on April 27th the CEO resigned
from his position. All new businesses take a risk, but is this a
risk the city of Annandale wants to wager all of their family
businesses and taxes on?
So you say Annandale is changing and it will bring in something the
Annadale consumers wantm including jobs. I agree Annandale needs to
keep up with its citizens as the city grows and changes. This area
needs new jobs with decent wages, not a lateral movement of the
workforce from current retailers to ALCO. This area needs local
dollars to stay in the local economy instead of sending them down a
pipeline to Abilene, Kansas. Economic development must be something
carefully planned with broad input from multiple sources, rather than
the brainchild of an impulsive few.
I know in my heart that you want what's best for Annandale and that
is why I again urge to say no to this project.
I am organizing some community members who feel the same way I do
this Sunday, 7 p.m., at the coffeehouse. I invite you come and have
a positive dialogue with the community members you represent.
My warmest regards,
Amy Sparks
More Letters from Concerned Citizens
"I think it would be most interesting to find out how long ALCO has been in Paynesville and what the effect has been. They are only 30 miles from St. Cloud, and they have (or used to have anyway) a very strong Chamber of Commerce. Most likely their concerns were much like yours."
"I have witnessed almost all small locally owned business in St.Cloud close. The difference in being a customer is huge. My home town Gayord, Mn. is a ghost town downtown. Annandale is amazing with friendly, helpful, invested in the community and in quality service locally owned businesses. This is something to be celebrated and capitalized on. It has a draw that is hard to find these days. I do not live here, but I love this aspect of Annandale.
Let me know if there is any way I can be of help. I was visiting my daughter in Colorado and was struck by the downtowns
in Golden and Boulder. The communities have made it a priority to keep the downtown vibrant and local. I believe that is why they are destinations for visitors and continue to thrive.
I think one of the biggest problems facing our country is the bottom line corporate philosophy at the cost of what should be of value. I appreciate your concern and involvement."
"Thank you for the invitation to join you Sunday evening. I and my wife Kristy are most grateful to be invited as one of Annandale newest business owners.
A little history on my family. One of my grandfathers was Gordon A. Yock, he was the founder and CEO of the Variety Store Corporation with it's home office located in Clara City, MN. In 1960 my grandfather's corporation supported over 2,500 independently owned V-Stores in nearly every small community from Michigan to Oregon. In the late 1940's a man named Sam Walton came from Bentonville, Arkansas to benchmark the VSC in Clara City.
(Today there are approx 425 SAM's clubs...if you know where I'm going with this.)
I recognize that Annandale cannot remain a "secret" for much longer. And we have to decide now what the long range plan is going to be for the "Wayzata of the West".
I will try to attend the Sunday evening meeting to further discuss what I believe to be the most critical issue facing Annandale and it's good citizens. (I do have an 8pm commitment I must keep.)
We cannot allow MNDOT to implement the current plan of keeping HWY 24 running through the HEART of Annandale. The consequences with be devasting to the economy and the future SAFETY of the adults and children
of the community which we all love and want the best for, for the longrange future. We citizens and business owners DO NOT need a short term solution."
"I replied to your E-mail already, but wanted to say more. I am relieved that you have taken this on. I was at a loss at what I could do other than to attend the Council meeting on Monday. I too feel that this "discount store" will have grave consequences for Annandale, as we know it. I chose my downtown location because I wanted to be a part of Main St. life. I did not want a "mall" atmosphere. I also live close to downtown, and part of the thrill of moving here was to be able to walk to the several local stores to make my purchases. To me, I much prefer, walking into a store, being greeted by name, chatting with the merchants while I make my purchases, then to have to get in my car and drive to Buffalo or St. Coud. I prefer to shop locally, even if at times I have to pay a few dollars more. If this discount store is built, Main St will disappear. Almost daily there is a story in the news of how Walmart and other large chains have pushed independants out of business. This has been going on for several years. However, an interesting change has started to occur. Many communities across the nation have begun to fight this trend and have voted to restrict Walmart and other chains from coming into their communities. There is now a history of proof that they destroy local economy, rather then enrich it. I am greatly disturbed at how this proposal reached this point without getting community feedback. Why, did we the public, not hear of this months ago. Our city planners have done us a great injustice. Obviously, they did not think this through. One vision comes to mind of how our beloved 4th of July Celebration will look in a few years. Our parade, marching down a street lined with empty buidings. How incredibly sad. Personally, being able to buy a pair of socks in town, is not worth what we will lose in the long run.
A few questions I have:
Do we have any options open to us to either stop or stall the city councils approval?
Do we have a strong showing of opposition?
Can we get the message out to more of the population before Mondays meeting? (perhaps a flyer)
So, I repeat, if there is anything I can do to help, please call me today."
"Thanks for the email. You know I'm on board to help any way possible as well. I have lots to bring to the table of dialogue as I feel strongly that without the coffee shop and snooty fox, we would not have the buzz of arts activities as well as many other activities that are currently alive in Annandale! If this monster should come into our Norman Rockwell town, I still feel strongly that somehow, the heart of our town will survive with lots of work and love! Hang in there, don't let this beat you down, but stay positively empowered! It's great you have that Northfield connection-powerful! Thanks"
"I just heard of all this this morning. I forwarded to my Dad, and he hit me back with quick thoughts below - do you know the answers to some of these questions?
Does the City own this land? They do not have to sell it for this use. How is it zoned? Is it commercial/industrial with a conditional use for retail? They would not have to grant a conditional use. Someone should dig into legal issues."
"Thanks for the e-mails. Prior to getting your info we had a lengthy discussion of this issue at our home. John (eldest son) is the finance and operations manager of the new Health Check business on that block. They recently moved their office from Albertville because the owners live here and want to be a contributing part of this community. Since they moved to Annandale last fall two businesses on their block have closed and we also have the Village Properties eyesore. I do not want to stop progress, I realize Annandale needs to grow and change, but this new proposal does not seem to be a step toward progress. Because Jim and I earned our income in Annandale we have always made a point of shopping in town if possible. I admire your efforts and will make some contacts regarding this issue. Thanks for the alert."
Dewey Takes Good Pictures So I'm Sure He Really Does Love Annandale...Otherwise Known as the Article That Started it All
Dwight "Dewey" Gunnarson took this picture thanks Dewey. Let's keep business local. lALCO discount store proposed in Annandale
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
By Chuck Sterling
A developer is proposing to build an ALCO discount store - possibly with a nationally known fast-food restaurant and coffee shop nearby - in the Annandale Business Park. The Annandale Planning Commission gave the development its blessing last week, and the city council is expected to consider whether to grant final approval Monday, May 7. Steve Iverson of Paces Lodging Corp., Fargo, N.D., presented plans for the three-acre site north of Highway 55 between the Annandale Evangelical Free Church and Edina Realty to the planning board Tuesday, April 24. They include a 25,600-square-foot structure that Paces would build immediately and lease to ALCO on a long-term basis. The timetable for construction of two other proposed buildings was less certain and depends on signing up tenants. "I have contractors on standby to break ground May 8 assuming the city commission approves it May 7," Iverson, Paces construction manager, told the planning session. He said in an interview later that the ALCO store could be open for business by Sept. 1 if building began early this month. "We're excited to get in the ground and get it rolling," he said. Iverson described ALCO as "a small Wal-Mart." According to its web site, Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. serve small communities in the central United States. It has 190 full-line ALCO stores and 67 Duckwall variety stores in 21 states. Minnesota has eight ALCO stores, the nearest ones located in Paynesville and Sauk Centre. Iverson said he has approvals to build stores in Zumbrota and New Prague. ALCO merchandise includes 35,000 items ranging from clothing to automotive accessories, furniture, hardware, lawn and garden supplies. Planning commission chairman Dwight "Dewey" Gunnarson called the development "a very exciting use for Annandale." He suggested accenting the front of the ALCO building with a brick-look wainscoting to blend in with nearby structures. Iverson agreed and later submitted drawings incorporating the wainscoting along with columns and the main entrance in a matching color. The commission approved the development's site plan concept and use of a stucco-look insulated metal paneling for the exterior of the building. "I think that's going to be wonderful for this area," Gunnarson said of the proposal. For a city of 3,000 people, "I think that's going to be huge." Commission member Shelly Jonas said an ALCO store would make it possible to buy a pair of socks here. Iverson told the commission the fast-food tenant more likely than not would be "the most widely known national food chain." But he couldn't reveal the name, he said in the interview. The coffee shop would likely also be a national chain. A 2,800-square-foot fast food building and a 3,600-square-foot coffee shop-retail structure could be built at the same time as ALCO, Iverson said, depending on whether tenants are signed up. "Anything could happen." It's not likely, he said, but "very possible that either or both of those other buildings could be open in '07." The preferred access to the development would be off Highway 55, he said, but he hadn't applied to the Minnesota Department of Transportation because of indications that might be a waste of time. A variety of different solutions were being considered, he said.
Content © 2007 Annandale Advocate
Reaching out to Business Leaders
Greetings Area Business Members,
The following is a couple of emails I sent earlier today to clients/friends/family members I thought might be interested. I am planning to hold an open discussion/forum to talk about this issue and prepare for Monday night's council meeting. This discussion will be held on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at In Hot Water Coffee House and we will spill out to the deck for more room. Please feel free to extend this invitation to any party you think would be interested in a positive dialogue. This issue truly affects all of us that call Annandale a home, whether that home houses our business or our family. Please forward this on to anyone you think would be interested, and I apologize if I have already sent this to you. Also, as business owners with a vested interest in keeping yourselves afloat you may want to go to the ALCO website, www.ALCOstores.com and see what they are all about . While it's true they may have done well in communities of our size and brought in neighboring community business, the are isolated communities mostly, that do not have the resources available for them. Hello we have Buffalo 20 minutes East and St. Cloud 30 minutes North. We're talking Warroad here everyone. I have also included in this email, if you scroll down the page, a list of products that ALCO offers at their stores, which you can see hit a lot of us close to home. Thank you so much. I am fiercely proud of this community and will continue to care about its future.
My most sincere wishes, Amy Sparks
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