Walmart Supporters: They're Out There

Here's a collection of people who have voiced support for the .

What do you think of their positions? Tell us in the comments section below.

From ""

I think the long and short of it is that nothing is coming into Suburban Plaza. If we haven't realized that by now we need to. Look at it,it's horrible. I drive by it often, and that is part of the problem, I never stop. Why, there is nothing there to stop for. Property Managers are always looking for clients and Walmart is it folks. Maybe this will help spur some development along Church Street as well where many of the businesses have closed over the last few years. Sounds like a lot of the people against this plan might be able to walk to the store and get out of their cars for a change. Wouldn't that be a novel concept.
Norman

From ""

I shopped at the Walmart on Memorial Drive at Columbia last night to pick up things I needed for the senior I adopted through Decatur's Season of Giving program and if there had been a Walmart in Suburban Plaza, I would have gone to that one instead as it would have been closer to the path I was taking from work to meet my co-shopper and then home.

From ""

i sure will hate to lose that wonderful MATTRESS OUTLET and the fabulous LAST CHANCE THRIFT STORE. They are such an important part of the community, and they are attractive as well. If they are forced out by the EVIL Wal-Mart, where oh where will we shop for things like mattresses and used clothing???

I live very near this shopping center and frankly I would welcome a Walmart. I am also tired of hearing about their employee abuse. I have two unemployed friends that would love to get a job at Walmart, and I also know lots of folks that would not be able to feed and clothe their families without Walmart pricing. No I don't work for walmart.

From ""

I do NOT support the actions of this group. I live in the neighborhood, and am Eagerly Anticipating the arrival of a Walmart within walking distance of home. What is wrong with you people? You didn't allow Costco to come to North DeKalb, and now you're fighting Walmart. Our shopping centers are on their last legs, and you want to stop anything good from coming! Please pay attention! There are many older citizens who cannot drive, who need some kind of nearby shopping.
Helen Lenkerd, 918 Schoel Dr., Decatur

Thank you, Helen. The press has focused on the opposition on this issue. The behavior of some of the Wal-Mart opponents at the variance meeting (including one of the zoning board members) was unprofessional. Now I'm wondering whether they have obsessed on the issue. Obviously, they think they know best for the community and are going to force their negativism on everyone. Business is dollars and cents. If businesses thought the demographics supported it, Suburban Plaza would be full of one-of-a-kind retailers or the opposition-favored big box stores like Whole Foods. This isn't about traffic, obviously.