"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."
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