Both projects faced opposition from residents who questioned the impact of the big box retailer on the local community.
“Wal-Mart would be a devastating blow to our family business,” said Anthony Longo, who owns an independent grocery store on Rymal Road. “When one door opens, I believe several others will close.”
Are all of these people complete idiots? What the hell do you think happened to downtown Hamilton in the FIRST place?
But Councillor Bob Bratina, who opposed the projects, quipped that if someone believe the findings, he has “some land to sell.”
“You’re making a big mistake,” he warned the planning committee, arguing the Centennial site could be better used to relocate the waterfront rail yard.
The east-end proposal calls for a $100 million mixed-use development on a 15-acre plot that includes the former Waxman scrap yard. It promises to bring $2.4 million in annual taxes and 1,500 jobs.
1,500 jobs?!!?! What jobs? Low-end retail jobs that people don't want anyways? Construction jobs - sure - but all temporary. You want REAL retail, employment land potential. Wal-Mart is not a viable employment strategy for ANY municipality.
Besides, hasn't this city heard of the Places to Grow Act? Intensification targets? I bet the entire site will be the same crap scattered all across the mountain - single storey, ugly, uncreative development.
Put the Wal-Mart on one of the vacant lots downtown!
