While the other posters seem to be for Walmart, I know how you feel. The local communities surrounding the proposed big box super center to stay open 24/7 was a big deal for us to.
You can find a Walmart in every direction within five miles. We did not want our area of Seminole County Florida to look like Colonial Dr. in Orlando. We all got together and fought hard at the City and County committees. This took a long time, but while they (Walmart) were hung up trying to convince the commissioners the positive influence this new store would provide, we protesters listed just as many or more negatives. After a year Walmart and their lawyers gave up. A nice Italian restaurant and several free standing banks and retail now occupy the land. The County/City realizing property values would decrease was probably the reason they sided with the residents!
You have to be persistent and get as many people and their signatures and attend every meeting. Once a permit is issued you are done! Best of luck!
I agree with you. I am not against Wal-Mart, but I am not for them either.
Our town has a derelict former Wal-Mart store, which moved its business down the road. Its a real eyesore - weeds, graffiti, dumped garbage, etc... I imagine Wal-Mart doesn’t even own it. Its probably a property developer. I also know our town dropped their pants 15 years ago with benefits to get Wal-Mart to locate there.
Its futile to try to support the “mom and pops” but how about just applying the law equally? I also agree that maximum authority should be given to the lowest levels of Gov’t - ie) the town - to make decisions on their own future.