Lafayette annexation
If Lafayette really needs another “big box” store, I question the location. As a new “Super Wal-Mart” goes up across town, there will be yet another abandoned store needing redevelopment. The eastern edge of town is the only entrance to Lafayette that as yet remains undeveloped. In addition, there are precious wetlands just west of the proposed site, which serves a beautiful array of birds and other wildlife that will undoubtedly be adversely affected by a project such as Lowe’s. If you have not been over to see the area, please do, it is beautiful. You can access it from Burlington, just east of the tracks.
Lafayette has both a lumber yard and hardware store that will obviously feel the financial pinch and possibly be put out of business by building a Lowe’s here. That is sad from my perspective, because if we continue in this vein, Lafayette will begin to look just like every other town in this area, which offers an abundance of corporate, oversized, chain shopping and little else.
We already have 5 other cities within reasonable traveling distance that offer Lowe’s, Home Depot or both. Since the city has a history of offering tax incentives to some new businesses coming in, do we know how this particular business would benefit our town? With no proposed road improvements, an already horribly congested area will become much more burdened with traffic.
Finally, I understand the Waneka family wishing to sell their property for fair market value. I believe they have a right to do so. It seems, however, that all options have not been explored. Lowe’s is huge, with big corporate dollars. As a community, it seems that we should be able to come together to support the family’s desire to sell without sacrificing another piece of Lafayette’s soul. The people of this town are indebted to the Waneka family for all their contributions. I know another avenue can be found.
R. Dunne
Lafayette
This letter has not been edited.
I hope Lafayette voters listen to this writer! I lived in Lafayette for nearly ten years before moving east of there for more breathing space. Now the potential of a Lowe's big box threatens the nearby Powers Marsh, which is an important bird habitat, as well as foraging area for the bird species that are declining in numbers due to rampant development in the area. Just over the hill from the location of the proposed Lowe's are several hundred (thousands of?) new homes, which continue to be built despite furious overbuilding there. The area that is currently being threatened with annexation by Lafayette is the only buffer between these two residential areas. In addition, if the annexation took place and Lowe's built there, that would only be the beginning - ultimately other chain stores and concrete would cover the current farmlands, light pollution would obscure the stars in its hellish alien-pink haze all night, traffic would increase, and the reasons I live where I do - in this very buffer zone - would disappear. Wildlife such as coyotes and eagles, rabbits and hawks would again be pushed farther away - to where? Lowe's has launched a well-financed campaign including yard signs placed in rights-of-way - with a green tree on them, of all things! - and a slick mailing to residents urging people to write letters to the editor and put out yard signs in favor of the Lowe's. It is disgusting Corporate manipulation at its finest. Yes, as a property owner I respect the right to do with your property what you please, however, the overall detriment to the community and the consequences to the balance of the ecology have to be more important than one person's enrichment. I agree that open space funds and land conservation organizations could be utilized to purchase the property instead, and preserve the best of our past. The alternative is the worst for our future.
Posted by L. Windle on January 27, 2007 07:34 PM