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| Wal-Mart vote postponed |
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| Written by Tracy Press | |
| Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | |
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A standing-room only crowd debated and cheered the pros and cons of an expanded Wal-Mart, prompting the City Council to push back a decision until August.
After hearing extended testimony from supporters and the opponents of a controversial plan to allow Wal-Mart to turn its existing Grant Line Road enterprise into a Supercenter, the council decided to send the matter back to staff. The specific matter before the council Tuesday was to approve or dismiss an environmental impact report that would pave the way for Wal-Mart to add 82,000 square feet of space to reach a total of 208,000 square feet, 30,000 square feet of which would be devoted to groceries. A standing-room only crowd watched and weighed in on the perceived wisdom of the move. Opponents in Tuesday’s debate argued that a bigger Wal-Mart would kill other grocers and add a surge of traffic to intersections already struggling with too many cars and trucks. Supporters of Wal-Mart by the dozens wore blue "Wal-Mart" nametags on their shirts and implored the council to allow a Wal-Mart Supercenter, which they said would create jobs and save the people who shop there money. Groups of attendees seemingly got into cheering contests backing speakers on their side of the argument. Dave Thomas of a San Joaquin County building association got raucous applause when he said, "People sitting at home right now don’t know it, but people are going to lose their jobs, at Save Mart, at Safeway. Don’t believe Wal-Mart is a good corporate friend to anybody."
But if proponents of Wal-Mart were at times out-cheered, they were hardly outnumbered and once dominated the room when one speaker asked for a show of hands of the big-box retailer’s Fans of Wal-Mart were unsympathetic to the possibility that a Save Mart might go under when a supercenter opens — a possibility raised by previous consultant reports to the city. They advocated for what they maintain is the chance to save money by shopping at a future discount retailer. "We can’t afford not to have a supercenter here," one woman said. Trackback(0)
Comments
(39)
first off let me say this, i am not a fan of wal mart. i dont like how they treat employees. giving them just enough hours to NOT be full time thus no beneifts is bad. also i do not like how they are running all over the world and putting other business out of business. global domination is bad! i think they are just an evil store that undercuts everyone to form a monoply on everything they can.
that being said, with gas and food prices soaring, some people have no choice. luckily i can go to the military commissary for my groceries. but in order to save money, RIGHT NOW people need to go where it is cheapest and they get the most value. unfortunately that is wal mart. i may hate the idea of a super wal mart in my town, but it is needed now. and as to savemarts complaints...you have had a monoply for long enough. competition can be good for business. if you can be competetive with wal mart, people will still come. but if you cant, maybe you dont need half a dozen stores in one town. jason farmer USN - AVT BMC MCAS Miramar
I can't help to wonder about the number of people, high tech people at that, who have lost their jobs as a result of the cutbacks at LLL, largely because of the lab's "decision at the City of Tracy's insistance" to not place a level 3 Bio-lab and expand the facility at Site 300.
What about the consern of those who are worried about loss of jobs at Safeway and Wal-Mart? Are not dozens of families in Tracy who lost their jobs at LLL important also? I personally know of a long time Tracy resident who has been working for LLL for over 20 years who was "scaled back" and lost his job, and there are many other long time Tracy residents that have suffered the same fate. Guess they didn't have enough union or San Joaquin Building Association member representation to have any protection from decisions made by City Council over matters that don't even lay within this county. And I am still scratching my head why the San Joaquin Building Association is so conserned about this? I wonder, would Dave Thomas be willing to explain these things in these comment sections? Or was he just a shill with an impressive sounding title who was brought into Tracy City Counsel to make waves? Oh, I know, search for the information for yourself on the web. Sorry for bothering you. Dave Hardesty
What does pushing back the vote do? Why did the city council side step the vote? You should have been prepared before the meeting and then heard out the crowd during the meeting and cast your vote. Stop the song and dance already!
I don't prefer WalMart, or any store over another, because of prices. For me it is becuase of convenience and finding a store I like. SaveMart doesn't do it for me. I though it was interesting that the reporter failed to mention that stores like Safeway, Raleys, and Costco don't have an objection to WalMart.
I wanted to go up to the podium and say...
However, last night's WalMart/SaveMart food feud was (hands down) more entertaining than having the circus in town"
Thanks! -Trader Joe's Supporter!
I am not a WalMart fan either, for the same reasons mentioned above. But I recognize people need to save money and that a WalMart SuperCenter will it do it for them.
And although I understand people are upset with Savemart for standing against WalMart SuperCenter, I don't understand the comments regarding Savemart costing too much or having terrible produce. I almost always find Savemart to be cheaper than Safeway, and often their produce is better than Safeway. That is my experience with Savemart on 11th street, anyway.
Sometimes we have to take the good with the bad....I don't prefer any stores, I prefer the price and quality of food.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, I get them at Farmers Market when I can, otherwise I get them at Trader Joes in Modesto which is no big deal to me since I work there. Need MORE Organic stores in Tracy. Organically fed, lean meat, non-hormone fed meat and eggs. List goes on! The adage is so true... "You are what you eat!" More grocery store will keep their price in check, without competition the price will skyrocket at any store! Not just Wal-Mart! -amy
Let the CEO's fight among themselves!
Tired of being in the middle of their "hostile take overs" in competition for customers everywhere in USA. -amy
Double or Nothing???
Yes, November will drive it home. As I am paying more careful attention to Council meetings, I am starting to see what is going on here, in Tracy, CA; and I do not like it one bitty.
Last night, Tolbert and Sundberg would NOT tell us about the "back room deal" that was being cooked. Tolbert and Sundberg, Stop hiding from the voters!!! Give the voters the information they need to vote!!! Tolbert said "don't drag me into this". Then proceeded to jump into the backroom deal. Further implicating herself. She knew about the "backroom deal"? Then why did she REFUSE to share the information with the voters!?!?! Want to see more consistency! No more deals, and double standards!!!
Please don't use Tolbert's and Sundberg's double standard to make decisions in November! When considering their vote against the two who voted for "backroom deals" AND against Holly! Say NO to those two ladies, who voted to tie up city revenue in backroom deals! Sundberg and Tolbert, You should be ashamed for trying to coverup the "back room deal" last night (July 1st meeting during the Holly vote!) !!! I'm just SO GLAD that there were a LOT of SaveMart/WalMart employees who witnessed Tolbert's and Sundberg's COVER UP of the BACKROOM DEAL. Tolbert tried to smooth the "backroom deal". Covered it with butter in an attempt to make it sound "delectable" to the voters. Tolbert said it wasn't brought to the council, which translates to "Tolbert's little backroom deal"??? Hope the voters can see through the double-standards of Tolbert and Sundberg!
Tolbert, Sundberg,
WE ARE starting to see what is going on! Come November the people will CLEARLY SEE the DOUBLE STANDARDS of Tolbert and Sundberg. Don't forget! Last night the SaveMart and WalMart voters saw Tolbert's and Sundberg's DOUBLE STANDARDS. Sundberg and Tolbert, In conclusion, I suggest that you start to Talk the talk! and Walk the walk! Otherwise, this November vote appropriately against double standards! No on Tolbert and Sundberg's "double double" !!!
I think it was a very politically strategic move on the part of the city council to postpone their vote until August. In this way they can view reactions by the residents of Tracy and in August vote for what the majority of the residents want in order for them to win a seat in November's elections. Yep....quite a smart move on their part.
I still say, if you want to attract shoppers from outside Tracy, our city government is going to have to seek out and convince specialty stores (ones that non-Tracy residents will travel to) to open shop here. For example, Trader Joe's has said that Tracy doesn't have the clientele for them to break ground here. Is our city council pursuing any action to convince Trader Joe's that they're wrong? Or is our city government just accepting what they were told? If I were on the council I'd be looking for ways to bring in businesses that will bring in shoppers from all around. Everyone in town would benefit including restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores.
Trader Joe's decision is not set in stone, when they see people congregating the heaviest, and more residents wanting to move to Tracy when they see what it affords them. I am telling you what I think will work, Use Zero Tolerance in Tracy, more potential home buyers will trust their safety in Tracy and MOVE HERE!
Trader Joes is watching to see if we are willing to "Move with the Times".... they need their profit to stay afloat, too! Be careful of whom you want to see running Tracy after the vote, then you pay attention to each candidate you voted in since they will be handling your investment and future. Holly will give you that many times over!!!! AND have healthy police force to crack down on gang activities, let's CLEAN UP THIS TOWN for future residents and businesses! Holly is Tracyite's future! -amy
As much as i would hate to see the current Walmart store turned into a super Walmart, i would support it as long as other competition is allowed into the city. i can care less if 1 or 2 SaveMarts close do to new stores opening. if the Super Walmart is allowed then a WinCo better be approved too. if Trader Joe's or Raley's want to come to town, let them in too. more choices to shop at is good for everyone
Grocery Outlet has kept their prices down. Smart and Final has and these dollar stores do to. Raley's is just as bad as SaveMart and the rest. We need a WalMart!!!
Amy, sick of hearing about Holly, it's done for now. You are shoving in our face and that shows no tact.
Dave,
Want to bet that Dave Thomas was either paid, or had some fiancial incentive to talk at the hearing? I was not there, were memebrs of the public actually against Walmart, or was it just the union reps? I agree that in a perfect world we don't want competition or a business (or Persons) with any flaws-- But the reality is: compettion is great, and we all learn from our mistakes. Including Walmart. Yes, I 100% agree that corporatism is bad.bad.bad-- so let's pay the cheaper prices, and if they monopolize or run prices up--get rid of them! I'm still waiting for ATT to raise their prices, but so far, so good! I'm glad of the cell phone competiton and how ATT is goign after cable. A perfect case study of companies fighting for market share with their "scheme" to eventually monopolize. Meanwhile, the public wins by lowered costs! Keep your eyes on 'em folks!
Safeway is too mismanaged. I have actually left a full cart because the lines are too long. We need a more affordable, better managed store. That the WMSC would service an under-served part of town, as well as Mountain House, is even better.
sorry amy, I don't call it enthusiasm. I call it coming down off a roller coaster and you can't see straight. I had good intentions. You added things that I never said. You have done it before, presuming peoples thoughts, where there is none. You are beginning to sour me with the Holly sight. I care about the kids. You are all about beating up certain council members. Oh sure, you have mentioned the children but the venom against some council members is not alway true just because amy says its so. Oh go ahead and read it, because I know you will then ignore me. I read your postings and respected it until after last night.
maybenotdumbcomment,
Which certain council members are in question? Do you mean the ones who voted against Holly. Did you mean the one who didn't tell us there is no bike path to Alvarez. Apparently, Sundberg is capable to read a bike map??? She was able to read the same map that shows there is a Class III bike lane to Holly. But was also incapable to tell us, that THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO BIKE LANE FROM DOWNTOWN TO ALVAREZ. ( maybenotdumBcommenT, Is that the roller-coaster you want to plan our children's safety and traffic issues? NOT ME! ) Perhaps, you meant the one who said she saw the "plan" for Alvarez with 800 homes? BTW, that would be Sundberg. Oh, and afterwards, did Tolbert ever really answer Tucker's question? Did she see the "plan"? Couldn't she just answer the question with a yes (or a no???). Probably not. Essentially she told us voters, 'You voters really need to know'. Question: Is that what is called, "Transparency"??? Question: Is that what is called, "Double standard" ???
Answer: That is what is otherwise referred to as, "backroom deals"???
And why is it OKEY-DOKEY for Sundberg and Tolbert to allow "backroom deals" at Alvarez, but then turn around and villianize "certain other council-persons"??? I'm thinking - double-standards? No wonder Tolbert was so quick to attempt to change the scope, with her famous, "DONT DRAG ME INTO IT !!!" speech. Because Sundberg had already admitted to seeing the "plan". That is what is called "damage control" in the political realm. Tolbert took you on a roller coaster ride from point A to point B, without saying the word.
Now its your turn.
I thought it was a double standard when Sundberg said that things should be discussed in the council, but she didn't bother to elaborate on the discussion of the 800 permits that was discussed in some backroom deal??? Ironically she didn't bring up the "missing bike lane to Alvarez" either. Sorry, but if that doesn't bother you I think it is a double standard !!! November is coming. And I'm not convinced we are seeing transparency from them! But there are a few months left! We'll just have to wait and see.  Thanks!!!
I HAVE SHOPPED AT THE WAL MART SUPER STORE IN STOCKTON AND AT THE SAFEWAY AND SAVEMART IN TRACY. THE SAVINGS ARE SIGNIFICANT AT WAL MART.
WITH REGARD TO MR. THOMAS' COMMENTS ABOUT LOST JOBS; THERE ARE 5 SAVEMART STORES IN STOCKTON AND ONE SUPER WAL MART!!
WalMart is not the cleanest store. Hope they can up-vamp the grocery store and make it more like Raley's/Andronicos. That might be nice.
Bottom line is that people are going to lose jobs. Save Mart knows it. Everyone knows it. Do we want to give Tracy citizens the lower grocery prices that WalMart is offering us? Some think so! Those from SaveMart please show up at the next meeting. WalMart Management, Please bring extra applications! I have spoken! Thanks! -WalMart Supporter!
Don't forget Target has groceries too.
Example: Bought a bottle of Eggo syrup at Save Mart: $4.39. Saw the same bottle of syrup at Target 2 days later: $2.34. I rest my case. I think if we want a Trader Joes in town then those of us who want that need to let Trader Joes know we want a store here instead of relying on a shopping center owner to try to lure them. Write, call or email Trader Joes and tell them we want a store in Tracy! http://www.traderjoes.com/contact_us.html
Super-WalMart, WinnCo, Raleys, SaveMart, Safeway, Food-4-Less, Target, Rite-Aid etc all have customers here in Tracy. There should be no resaon why one is allowed and another is not. Maybe there needs to be a limit on how many stores one owner can have in town. It should be divided up equally, and I don't see that with SaveMart.
Maybe someone needs to open a adult bookstore in town so theres more happy people.  
maybenotdumBcommenT,
I am not one to get emotional, simply wanted to interject that Holly is still a topic of concern to me. It will be showing up at the future council meetings and people will be watching it. Hope you don't get upset at me. But until the coaches dust off home plate.... Yes, we want what is best for Tracy! And The Holly Sports Park is worth going for it !!! I understand that two council persons fought against it. Didn't like that. Give the people the information they need to vote. Thanks! Also, Regarding WalMart, I just want to interject that we should give the people the low prices they want. Safeway, Costco, and Raleys are not showing up at the Council meeting. WalMart Management, Bring extra applications to the August Council meeting. Sponsor a JobFair in Tracy, CA! Gateway Business Center, Get on the phone with Trader Joes! Thanks!
Thanks monster dad 3k !!!!!!!
Nice!!! Yes. Thanks for posting Trader Joes website, where people can go and request a Trader Joes store. Last year Trader Joes said they planned to expand the number of stores. But Tracy, CA wasn't on their list. I didn't contact them this year. But the more people go to that form the more closely they will look at Tracy, CA. Last year, when I talked to them the story was that Tracy, CA doesn't have enough people. They want to see more business base, in Tracy, CA. The more people go to that website or call Trader Joes the more urgent our business will be to the Trader Joe's management. Are there any empty stores in Tracy? Send the idea to Trader Joes. Tell them where you think the best spot for a Trader Joes would be! http://www.traderjoes.com/contact_us.html Thanks!
If that guy Steve is there from the last meeting I would like to talk to him. If there is a vacancy in the Gateway Business Center, I would like to ask him to call Trader Joes!
Dave (from WalMart), Could you bring applications to the next meeting and leave them at the table in the foyer. I heard one of your employees discuss the nice benefits that WalMart has provided. People appreciate good benefits. Someone at the meeting may be interested. Ask that nice lady from Personnel to show up again. She can talk to interested applicants, on the spot. That would be nice! Thanks! Also, that guy with the Dinty More cans from Albertsons, Safeway and WalMart Superstore (in Stockton), please bring one can from the $0.99 cent store to show objectivity this time. Please also don't get upset at me. I liked the speech. It was very convincing! May have hard time finding Dinty More if it is not at the Dollar Store, just use Campbells soup. Costs $1.00 at the Dollar Store. Costs about $2 at Safeway. Costs more at SaveMart. Nice comparison! Nice touch! Remind them that they don't have butchers at the Dollar Store! Thanks! I wonder if anyone else caught this...
That was interesting!
Based on the result of the Holly site (votes by Sundberg and Tolbert)...
I think that Tolbert and Sundberg aren't very good at math, so in August I expect the WalMart expansion to be 60 times smaller than planned. [1200 divided by 50 equals 60] ! Keep an eye on that one
Someone tell that Stockton Lawyer about...
The Gateways and the WalMart Superstores! Tracy, CA Gateway City! American Canyon Gateway City! http://www.ci.american-canyon.ca.us/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Canyon,_California Thanks!
and [Target] didn't increase the size of their store'
That's not an accurate statement by Tolbert. Actually Target DID increase the size of their store. There used to be an outdoor garden center at the front right of the store kinda like Wal Mart's. That was removed and the space converted into the grocery center that is there now. There is no additional space for Target to expand so that was pretty much their only option. Wal Mart has plenty of open land next to it.
The building is still the same size but they have more indoor retail space now than they had before.
I think you can figure it out TRN, which council members I'm talking about. You want different kinds of council members so as to make sure the votes get a fair chance.
I'm not sure, what fair chance are you talking about? After what I've seen from Sundberg and Tolbert I think they already had their fair chance. Sounds like you disagree with that, but then ... I just hope we can give the voters their fair chance to respond, in November. Thanks! This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment.
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I hope this all goes thru, Now I am done with SaveMart, I will go to Grocery outlet, Smart and final and the Dollar stores. I refuse to pay anymore high prices for food.