If you haven't heard, Developers and village officials are working toward turning a large, empty piece of land into a 195,000-square-foot shopping center.
If everything comes together, Walmart would be the obvious anchor, but other businesses - such as two banks, a medical building and quick serve restaurants - would surround the retail giant.
We asked our readers: "Are you for the Super Walmart?"
Almost 100 votes were cast and 65 said 'Yes,' while 29 voted 'No.' Readers also chimed in and raised some interesting points. Several Skokians said residents are already driving to nearby Niles to shop at Walmart, why not keep those sales in house? That sort of move would generate jobs and about $1 million in sales tax revenue, according to the village.
Others, however, are concerned the new retail plaza would congest traffic to frustrating levels. The proposed site is located at Touhy and St. Louis Avenues, a short distance from Lincolnwod Mall. Some readers also pointed out that Walmart could have a negative impact on small business owners.
For it or against it, we want to know what you think. Put your thoughts into words by posting a comment below.
Taxing districts in Skokie that will get real estate tax revenue from this development but not Niles include the Village of Skokie, The local Grammar School, The Skokie Library and Park District. Skokie like many villages also imposes it’s own sales tax which will go to Skokie
Good question. Grocery stores? Gone for decades, replaced by supermarkets. Hardware stores? Done in by Home Depot, Lowes, Menards. Drug stores. Are there any CVS & Walgreens haven't replaced? Except for the noteable exception of ABT, appliance stores have been don in by BB and now HH Gregg. Small businesses have been done in as much or mre by high real estate taxes then any big box. The ship about Walmart being bad for small independants has long since sailed. None left.
1. How many jobs are created by the vacant property and why is that better than Walmart jobs? 2. Which family owned businesses in Skokie will be destroyed by the Walmart? 3. Name 3 communities suffering from the presence of Walmart? Haven't heard or seen any complaints. Perhaps you have an internet site with complaints?
We're not sure why you love Walmart so much. But here's some answers to your questions. 1. The vacant property could have easily been developed as a small business incubator. Walmart jobs are a joke and only serve to create depressed wages and a depressed suburb where everything has to be bought cheap. 2. Walmart claims to be selling hardware and paint. I like the Ace Hardware at Oakton and Lincoln. They've survived the Home Depot, Menards crunch. DO we really need more competition in this category? 3. The main focus on this Walmart was the parking situation at the other location on Touhy. Is that justification for a new Walmart or a sign we should build a parking garage. I'll answer it for you Earl, It's clearly about a cheap land grab in Skokie and gaining more market share near Chicago. I could name 3 communities hurt by Walmart, but that ship has sailed right? Better yet read this: http://prorevnews.blogspot.com/2011/02/study-wal-mart-hurts-local-communities.html
You are wrong on so many counts. It is not that I love Walmart. I probably shop there twice a year. I am pro development, and pro business, and believe it or not pro small business. What you have provided are not answers but questions. 1. If it could have easily been developed as a small business incubator, why wasn't it? (Skokie has already failed with the infamous research park North of Downtown Skokie.) If such a development can easily be done, there are 15 acres available due North on Howard, go for it. I wish you only success. It is clear you dislike Walmart and feel vacant property is less depressing and provides higher wages, You and everyone else are free to develop higher paying and more upscale locations. Go for it. Lots of Vacant arounfd waiting for you. 2. Yes, there will be more competition. Stores like Ace or ABT for example survive due to a higher level of service. Walmart will hardly fill that niche. Why do you feel Walmart will hurt them more than the Loews across the street? 3. I would not second guess Walmarts choice. I think that company is a lot more successful than I and probably more than you and I combined. As I said, if you have a better plan, go for it. That parcel on Howard is ripe, and as you say must be cheap.
"1. Wal-Mart store openings kill three local jobs for every two they create. Wal-Mart is the biggest employer in the USA, with 1.4 million ‘associates’. The conclusion is that Wal-Mart alone has killed about 700,000 American jobs." At least quote an article with reliable math. Even if accurate Killing 700K jobs and creating 1.4 Million means 2 were created for every one killed. Basicaly it would have doubled the employement. And that's just conting the "Associates".
But please, continue trolling. You are amusing.
1. Walmart has a negative effect on real estate values; 2. An Urban farm is just as lucrative as a Walmart Other than a social activist unsupported claim I would like to see some data, any data. I am willing to view it with an open mind. Can Walmart hurt small local business? Absolutley. We have seen it happen to Hardware stores, Pharmacies, office supply stores, appliance stores, mom & pop groceries years ago. There aren't really any left in the area. You are trying to lock the barn door after the horse is stolen. By the way did you let the Urban Farmer's know of the parcel available on Howard? When can we expect the lucrative operation.
http://www.democracynow.org/2005/11/18/a_debate_does_wal_mart_work Oh, maybe he's just a troll.
Furthermore, the study concluded that in areas with a Walmart, wages are driven down, local retailers are pushed out of business, and the tax payer is forced to cover the slack left by Walmart’s lack of health and other benefits denied its part time employees who have to turn to Medicaid and other public programs. Another quote from IVN. The Problem I see here is Skokie is looking at this tax Revenue increase and they have gotten tunnel vision. We need to give them other options that don't have Walmart involved.
Well, there is another huge vacant Parcel on Howard, and plenty of vacant sitting and waiting for all those options to happen. The part time non health benefit rhetoric applies to most retail business. See above item from the Cato institute. If people hate Walmart for reasons where it differs from other retail like being a non union shop, that criticism has at least som foundation in reality. I guess none of those critics drive Toyotas?
Sorry, for this area that ship sailed long ago. There is no doubt that when a Wlamart opened in some areas, some small businesses closed. How many would have closed anyway? Who knows. Tell me exactly which small local businesses will it hurt? Mom and pop: groceries, Hardware, Office Supply, Pharmacy.......?
8:34 am on Friday, April 13, 2012 1. It isn't about just sitting and waiting for these business options to come to us. We have to go out and get these options>>>>> , 2. but the health benefits are a bigger problem; >>>>>>>>>>>>>. Well Joe perhaps you are right, so: 1. Go for it. Point out the opportunities. Bring in all these businesses that are better than Walmart. The ball is in your court. 2.I understand your point. It applies to all businesses in Walmarts retail sector according to the report by the Cato institute and the Wharton school. Do you feel this way about the entire sector? If this is so easy to do and still be rich, then I would think you should do it without delay. I think a fundamental issue is why do businesses "have to" offer health care coverage at all? It's great when they do. Compensates the employee with non taxable income. But, why should they have to?
Bring on the Wal-Mart and the hate groups, apparently!! http://www.livescience.com/19660-big-box-hate-groups.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20Livesciencecom%20%28LiveScience.com%20Science%20Headline%20Feed%29&utm_content=Google%20Reader