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
Community Reactions to Email Number Two
"Great going, Amy. I have sent your mail on to some others. What else can we do?"
"I was interested in reading the article you had attached, I had not seen it.
I agree with you, we need to be supportive of those that have business in Annandale, especially downtown. I think that the city council needs to be aware of how people think, but I also think they need to put pressure on those business owners downtown that continue to be poor landlords, and require all vacancies be filled. I have heard Ben Franklin is closing due to a leaking roof that the landlord refusing to fix, let alone the outrageous monthly rent. The empty space where the dollar store was, same owner could very well be the same situation. How about the business that many years ago was I think “Village Properties” (something like), for heavens sakes, you look in the window and there is still a rotary phone on the desk, has been nothing in that business for years, my kids are 19 and 17 and neither one of them remember there ever being anything in that space, that should be unacceptable. I think if we want to keep downtown thriving every owner needs to take responsibility for their property and be penalized or something to encourage them to keep main street thriving. I have heard from many people it is too bad nothing works downtown. The city council needs a program or incentives for new business owners downtown that will help them ‘Make it’, otherwise downtown it will continue to struggle.
I don’t have any ideas or possible solutions, your e-mail encouraged me to share these thoughts."
"Yikes -- I am in Tampa working this week. I will be home Saturday and then off to DC for work on Sunday! It is interesting to me that the project has moved forward without anyone's knowledge. I would understand if it was just me who didn't know because of my wicked schedule. However, it appears that many did not know! I hate it when things slide through the cracks that have such a direct impact on our community.
I believe that dialog is important and that we as a community need to express our concerns! Is it too late? We don't need Walmart type store in Annandale. Anyone driving out from the cities can stop at Target and Walmart along the way if they want to. Once they arrive in Annandale they are happy to leave the big box stores behind and enjoy the relaxed pace of shopping our little stores. I have found that Annandale is a wonderful community to start a business in and I hate to see the unique culture diluted by a big box type store.
I believe that it was Duckwalls-Alco who setup shop in Independence Kansas along with KMart in the late 90's. The downtown simply died. At one point both family owned grocery stores closed because everyone went to Duckwalls or Kmart. When Duckwalls and KMart closed their doors, there were NO grocery stores in town!!!! Folks had to drive 20 miles to the nearest grocery store. Eventually the family own grocery store returned.
The Duckwall and KMart buildings now sit empty and Walmart opened a mile away. The downtown is beginning to revitalize itself and Walmart has survived on the outskirts of town. Many Midwest cities have experienced the Duckwall promise just to see them close several years later. I encourage growth and new development but a big box store is not the ticket, especially a Duckwalls. I have a sour taste in my mouth because our 85 year old aunt had to find someone to get her groceries 20 miles away because she could not drive that far!!! It was an awful year in which a town simply did not have a grocery store!!!
I wonder if there is a study of all the Duckwall stores that have opened in small towns just to pull out when the home office determines that they are not profitable.
Just my thoughts from experience!! I wish I had more time to research this. I work tomorrow and will be in the air flying home tomorrow night.
Thanks for taking the lead in this."
" I, too, was very unhappy when I read the article in the paper. I have very strong feelings about how this will affect our community and what makes it so special. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. I will definitely attend the meeting on Sunday.
Thank you for contacting me."
New Thoughts: Email Number Two
This is a copy of the second email I sent to those 100 friends and family members who hopefully passed it on to others.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to read these emails. I'm so proud to live here! I spent an hour talking with a good friend of mine, Dan Riggins, who is a downtown Northfield business owner. About seven years ago land in on the outskirts of Northfield was rezoned as C1 and there were a lot of people concerned with how that would change downtown Northfield's unique charm. The people concerned started writing letters to newspapers, to the city council, etc... These people came together and started asking a lot of questions and were able to slow down the process long enough to have a dialogue. Which, I guess is my biggest desire, that this is not passed without a dialogue.
Because this area is already zoned commercially, we can't take the route to petition the zoning and slow down the project this way. However, there are some issues I think that could be valid and taken into strong consideration by the city council.
They are:
1. Supporting a distinctive Annandale community that differs from Albertville, Wilmar, St. Cloud, the list goes on and on that invites people to move and vacation here. Local quality, local control, and historic uniqueness. Example of this idea being important-the historic old library and the beautiful gallery and what it has added to our community. People come here to see it. They are not going to come to Annandale for a Wendy's or white tube socks, after passing 101 Wendy's to get here.
2. Tax Increment Financing. Is the developer of this project Steve Iverson of Paces being offered this type of deal? Some developers will have the city make this sort of deal promising an increase in the tax base, without actually paying taxes for 20 years. Some of these buildings aren't even being built to last 20 years. Is the city of Annandale really going to see this money? What if ALCO leaves? One was just closed last year in Nebraska. If ALCO does leave how does this community sustain a 25,000 plus square foot empty building?
3. Waste Water Impact. What kind of environment (run off, sewer) impact will this new development have on our community? You may or may not be aware of the litigation and appeals our city has made because of a proposed waste facility that would dump into the North Fork of the Crow River, violating the federal Clean Water Act. I don't believe this issue has been resolved.
Well, here's a start. Again I thank you and appreciate you and that you value and love our community. I will be sending an email to the Star Tribune today on this issue, as well as some television news stations. This is more than just an Annandale problem, unfortunately. I encourage you to pass this email along to others and to also write letters to the city, papers, etc... Let's get this dialogue going.
Annandale, a Great Community!
My best,
Amy Sparks
Thanks everyone for taking the time to read these emails. I'm so proud to live here! I spent an hour talking with a good friend of mine, Dan Riggins, who is a downtown Northfield business owner. About seven years ago land in on the outskirts of Northfield was rezoned as C1 and there were a lot of people concerned with how that would change downtown Northfield's unique charm. The people concerned started writing letters to newspapers, to the city council, etc... These people came together and started asking a lot of questions and were able to slow down the process long enough to have a dialogue. Which, I guess is my biggest desire, that this is not passed without a dialogue.
Because this area is already zoned commercially, we can't take the route to petition the zoning and slow down the project this way. However, there are some issues I think that could be valid and taken into strong consideration by the city council.
They are:
1. Supporting a distinctive Annandale community that differs from Albertville, Wilmar, St. Cloud, the list goes on and on that invites people to move and vacation here. Local quality, local control, and historic uniqueness. Example of this idea being important-the historic old library and the beautiful gallery and what it has added to our community. People come here to see it. They are not going to come to Annandale for a Wendy's or white tube socks, after passing 101 Wendy's to get here.
2. Tax Increment Financing. Is the developer of this project Steve Iverson of Paces being offered this type of deal? Some developers will have the city make this sort of deal promising an increase in the tax base, without actually paying taxes for 20 years. Some of these buildings aren't even being built to last 20 years. Is the city of Annandale really going to see this money? What if ALCO leaves? One was just closed last year in Nebraska. If ALCO does leave how does this community sustain a 25,000 plus square foot empty building?
3. Waste Water Impact. What kind of environment (run off, sewer) impact will this new development have on our community? You may or may not be aware of the litigation and appeals our city has made because of a proposed waste facility that would dump into the North Fork of the Crow River, violating the federal Clean Water Act. I don't believe this issue has been resolved.
Well, here's a start. Again I thank you and appreciate you and that you value and love our community. I will be sending an email to the Star Tribune today on this issue, as well as some television news stations. This is more than just an Annandale problem, unfortunately. I encourage you to pass this email along to others and to also write letters to the city, papers, etc... Let's get this dialogue going.
Annandale, a Great Community!
My best,
Amy Sparks
Responses from my Original Email
Here are some of the responses from my first email.
"They will proceed over my dead, lifeless body."
"I agree-
I hope she sends her letter to the Advocate."
"Amy - I agree with you - shall we petition?"
"so WHAT CAN WE DO?..."
"Well that is sad news to say the least.
It looks like the city has all ready given it rubber stamp.
What are the other businesses saying?"
"Did you send something out to Missy?
Lee told me that you sent out a really well thought out email about Alco, McDonald's, and the coffee shop. Proud of you!"
"Thanks Amy and Adam for bringing this to our attention, I will certainly pass this on to those who love the small town atmosphere of Annandale and value the local businesses.
Thanks again!"
My Original Emotional Letter
Sometimes your heart just breaks, or the wind gets knocked out of you, or whatever...
Yesterday was my day. I came home after bringing Violet to Grandma's house, ready to start working on all the video editing that has piled up on me. I sat down at the computer and just started bawling. I don't remember the last time I did that. Something so deep inside of me was so disturbed by the fact that some people would think that bringing in a national chain big box store would add to our unique community. I was just so sad. And worried. I love this town, I want to stay here, I'm committed to staying here with my family, being the best person I can be.
Here is the original email I sent to over 100 friends I have seen or talked with or had some sort of contact with at Mom's shop in the past seven years.
Yesterday Adam came home and told me there was an article this week in the Annandale Advocate that mentioned building a small "Walmart" type store on Hwy 55 near the Free Church. I have attached this article below.
In addition to the discount store building which would be at least 25,000 square feet, according to some information on the Duckwall -Alco Stores business page, and would also include a national fast food chain (McDonalds? they're keeping this a secret...) and a national coffee house (Caribou? this is also a secret).
Obviously, I have a vested interest in this news and am extremely emotional after reading the Advocate's article.
Before opening In Hot Water in 2000 I did a complete business plan, which included demographics of the Annandale area and it was clear at that time that the numbers would barely support one coffee house. I decided I wasn't "in it for the money" but wanted to contribute to the town, and embrace the notion of living in a vital small close knit community. Although, I no longer own the shop, my mother has done a fabulous job of maintaining our original mission, to support the community, to support art, to be a safe haven for all kinds of people to come together, to support other downtown business, and to support the greater community (the rest of the world) by offering Fair Trade and Organic products. If a nationally recognized coffee house opens on Highway 55, I believe with all my heart In Hot Water Coffee House will not be able to stay open.
Also, the coffee house will not be the only Annandale business affected. This is a product category list taken from the Alco website:
All of our ALCO and Duckwall stores offer quality merchandise at great value prices. Categories include:
• Apparel: Men's, Women's, Kids'
• Automotive
• Candy, Snacks, Food
• Crafts
• Domestics
• Electronics, Video, Audio
• Fabrics
• Furniture
• Gifts
• Hardware
• Health and Beauty Aids
• Housewares
• Jewelry
• Lawn and Garden
• Pet Supplies
• Seasonal Items
• Shoes and Hosiery
• Sporting goods
• Stationery
• Toys
Looking at this list makes me think of Country Lane, Miller's Jewelry, Kaz, Judy's Cottage, Snooty Fox, Gardendale, Annandale Floral, Snyder's, and all the families connected with those business. Will these business be able to stay open? Why will anyone come downtown?
If the heart dies in a community, its downtown, how can the veins, the business on hwy 55 be healthy? What makes our community special? Why do people want to come here from the larger towns?
I don't think people will come here in hope of a fast food restaurant or discount chain.
At this point, I just wanted you all to read the article, I'm not sure if there is anything we can do. I guess I would like to make a case to the city council on Monday night and would like anyone and everyone's ideas, and or support.
Thank you all for being not only customers but friends. I am truly proud of this community, and no matter what happens I will continue to be proud of Annandale. Thank you for reading this. And please forward this information on to anyone you feel would help.
Amy Sparks
Yesterday was my day. I came home after bringing Violet to Grandma's house, ready to start working on all the video editing that has piled up on me. I sat down at the computer and just started bawling. I don't remember the last time I did that. Something so deep inside of me was so disturbed by the fact that some people would think that bringing in a national chain big box store would add to our unique community. I was just so sad. And worried. I love this town, I want to stay here, I'm committed to staying here with my family, being the best person I can be.
Here is the original email I sent to over 100 friends I have seen or talked with or had some sort of contact with at Mom's shop in the past seven years.
Yesterday Adam came home and told me there was an article this week in the Annandale Advocate that mentioned building a small "Walmart" type store on Hwy 55 near the Free Church. I have attached this article below.
In addition to the discount store building which would be at least 25,000 square feet, according to some information on the Duckwall -Alco Stores business page, and would also include a national fast food chain (McDonalds? they're keeping this a secret...) and a national coffee house (Caribou? this is also a secret).
Obviously, I have a vested interest in this news and am extremely emotional after reading the Advocate's article.
Before opening In Hot Water in 2000 I did a complete business plan, which included demographics of the Annandale area and it was clear at that time that the numbers would barely support one coffee house. I decided I wasn't "in it for the money" but wanted to contribute to the town, and embrace the notion of living in a vital small close knit community. Although, I no longer own the shop, my mother has done a fabulous job of maintaining our original mission, to support the community, to support art, to be a safe haven for all kinds of people to come together, to support other downtown business, and to support the greater community (the rest of the world) by offering Fair Trade and Organic products. If a nationally recognized coffee house opens on Highway 55, I believe with all my heart In Hot Water Coffee House will not be able to stay open.
Also, the coffee house will not be the only Annandale business affected. This is a product category list taken from the Alco website:
All of our ALCO and Duckwall stores offer quality merchandise at great value prices. Categories include:
• Apparel: Men's, Women's, Kids'
• Automotive
• Candy, Snacks, Food
• Crafts
• Domestics
• Electronics, Video, Audio
• Fabrics
• Furniture
• Gifts
• Hardware
• Health and Beauty Aids
• Housewares
• Jewelry
• Lawn and Garden
• Pet Supplies
• Seasonal Items
• Shoes and Hosiery
• Sporting goods
• Stationery
• Toys
Looking at this list makes me think of Country Lane, Miller's Jewelry, Kaz, Judy's Cottage, Snooty Fox, Gardendale, Annandale Floral, Snyder's, and all the families connected with those business. Will these business be able to stay open? Why will anyone come downtown?
If the heart dies in a community, its downtown, how can the veins, the business on hwy 55 be healthy? What makes our community special? Why do people want to come here from the larger towns?
I don't think people will come here in hope of a fast food restaurant or discount chain.
At this point, I just wanted you all to read the article, I'm not sure if there is anything we can do. I guess I would like to make a case to the city council on Monday night and would like anyone and everyone's ideas, and or support.
Thank you all for being not only customers but friends. I am truly proud of this community, and no matter what happens I will continue to be proud of Annandale. Thank you for reading this. And please forward this information on to anyone you feel would help.
Amy Sparks
Open Forum Set for This Sunday Night
Anyone who is interested in obtaining some information, and having a positive dialogue on the issue of Annandale First is invited to In Hot Water Coffee House on Sunday night at 7 p.m. I will also have an Annandale First member sign up sheet for anyone who is interested in future emails, updates, etc... and for concerned citizens who might be able to volunteer to pass out information on the importance of keeping it local.
Laurel Miller had a great suggestion today. To simply ask the city to give us a month to an do environmental impact study and perhaps even to create some suggested comprehensive plans. Basically, we need more time! I don't know how they can say no to a group of people who are not asking for them for anything but time to organize, research, and make cases for our beliefs.
Obviously, we also want to get as many bodies to the City Council meeting on Monday night. Bring your babies, TVo "Dancing with the Stars," and bring a friend. You don't need to "say" anything, your presence is your strongest voice.
Laurel Miller had a great suggestion today. To simply ask the city to give us a month to an do environmental impact study and perhaps even to create some suggested comprehensive plans. Basically, we need more time! I don't know how they can say no to a group of people who are not asking for them for anything but time to organize, research, and make cases for our beliefs.
Obviously, we also want to get as many bodies to the City Council meeting on Monday night. Bring your babies, TVo "Dancing with the Stars," and bring a friend. You don't need to "say" anything, your presence is your strongest voice.
Embracing What is Uniquely Ours
I am fiercely proud and protective of my unique community, as are others in Annandale and I am planning on organizing community members to make an appeal to the city council before their decision is final this coming Monday, May 7th. I think it would be fiscally, morally, and environmentally irresponsible for the city of Annandale to approve this without dialogue from the community business members and residents.
Here are some points/questions/concerns I am hoping to bring to the city council and city members' attention.
They are:
1. Supporting a distinctive Annandale community that differs from other area communities, that invites people to move and vacation here. When you don't allow big corporations and developers from out of local jurisdiction you preserve a sense of local quality, local control, and historic uniqueness. Example of this working in the past, the historic old library downtown was saved from demolition by organized caring community members and converted into a gallery and gift store, The Snooty Fox. This beautiful gallery, provides a home for local MN art and has greatly added to our community. Many tourists come specifically to visit the shop, and then decide Annandale is pretty darn cool. They decide to have lunch at the local deli next store, a coffee across the street, and a stroll down the Annandale mainstreet. Peaople are not going to come to Annandale for a sandwich at Wendy's or to buy white tube socks, after passing 8 Wendy's & 4 Walmarts to get here.
2. Tax Increment Financing. Is the developer of this project Steve Iverson of Paces being offered this type of deal? Some developers will have the city make this sort of deal promising an increase in the tax base, without actually paying rising taxes, which everyone else in town will be paying for 20 years. Some of these buildings aren't even being built to last 20 years. Is the city of Annandale really going to see this money? What if ALCO leaves? One was just closed last year in Nebraska. If ALCO does leave how does this community sustain a 25,000 plus square foot empty building? Right now, the community has 11 vacant commercial buildings. A community our size cannot support these large retail corporations. Why do want to embrace a non-local retail chain and non-local builder. Keep community money in the community.
3. Waste Water Impact. What kind of environment (run off, sewer) impact will this new development have on our community? Our city has been in the news before in regards to litigation and appeals our city has made because of a proposed waste facility that would dump high levels of phospherous into the North Fork of the Crow River, thereby violating the federal Clean Water Act. What will the impact be of new sewer systems, run off etc, for this new site?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)