DOLLAR stores were banned from a city because they were focused on preserving the quality of life of current and future residents.
Residents of Joseph, a small rural town in northeastern Oregon, are against the construction of new dollar stores because they are taking up space for other small businesses.
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The move to ban “formula businesses” was encouraged by local businesswoman Erika Polmar, co-founder of No Dollar General, OPM reported on Sunday.
Polmar highlighted how Dollar General wanted to open several new stores in the area after one had already been successfully built.
A formula company is described by Joseph as a retailer that follows the same structure across most of its chains.
This covers most chain stores and restaurants since new stores opened in Joseph.
read more about dollar stores
“Prescribed standards and features, especially for exterior color schemes, signage, or architectural design,” the ordinance said, per OPM.
NO WARNING
As soon as residents became aware of the plan to build dollar stores in their town, they immediately backed off.
“The city of Joseph came under a lot of pressure at its most recent planning commission meeting and City Council was being inundated with calls and emails from citizens saying they wanted to make sure the city was protected,” Polmar said.
“Fortunately, the City Council and city administrators listened and acted very quickly.
The planning director approved development permits for the Dollar General store without notifying nearby residents or issuing a public notice.
The director justified it by stating that the development of the store was a fully permitted use for commercial/industrial areas.
He also claimed that no part beyond 30 meters of the site would be adversely affected.
The use of the executive review process meant that there was no public transparency or opportunity for community input into the decision.
Residents believe that this lack of accountability could negatively impact the quality of life in the city.
A Facebook post explaining the matter received a comment from a resident who noted how those responsible were not being considerate.
No more!!! This is a very important meeting and based on the chairman defined by those in charge, they could align 82 with BS networks that would decimate our local businesses. This unchecked power MUST be stopped
Meg Bowen
“Enough!!! This is a very important meeting and based on the president defined by those in charge, they could align 82 with BS networks that would decimate our local businesses,” Meg Bowen commented on the post.
“This uncontrolled power MUST be stopped.”
FOOD DESERT
Dollar General is known for opening its stores in places considered food deserts.
Food deserts don’t have many places to shop and dollar stores end up dominating the area instead of fresh grocery stores.
“What Dollar General does well is target low-income communities and communities that are struggling,” Polmar said, per OPM.
“Unfortunately, they will have deals because people are interested in finding a bargain.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
