Not In Oro Valley.. But A Loss For Vestar and Wal-Mart

As reported in the Stockton (Ca.) Record, Stockton City Council voted 6-1 to prohibit Wal-Mart from building a Super Center in their community. And---that was without any incentives.

Now, get this: "Phoenix-based Vestar Development Co. had proposed a Wal-Mart Supercenter to anchor a planned shopping center in Weston Ranch, near Interstate 5 and French Camp Road. The company's Jeffrey Axtel said the company would pull out if the prohibition was adopted."

The thing is: Vestar seems to front for Wal-Mart or other box stores wherever they go: Oro Valley; Kingman; and now Stockton California. And probably a lot of other places too. Our Town Council should have done their homework. They didn't. Vestar doesn't build "upscale malls". Click here to see what they do build: Ordinary retailer shopping centers!

Isn't it about time that Oro Valley gets Council Members like KC Carter and Paula Abbott who are responsive to the citizens?

Hopefully, next year.

Click here to read the story.

Support For (Non Retail) EDA's

You said: (Non Retail) Economic Development Agreements (“EDA”) should be used judiciously, in response to our August 11, 2007 “Question Of The Week”. “I would agree that economic incentives used wisely have value”, wrote one blogger. Some respondents noted that Oro Valley has other tools at its disposal to attract the “right kind” of non retail commerce and industry, including “fast tracking” development projects.

You showed no support for more retail business related EDA’s. “The concept of citizens paying to bring in business to sell them something is flawed.” This writer points out that the Oro Valley’s growth and high-profile demographics will drive retail businesses to want to be here. Add to this the impact that higher paying jobs would have and you've got a dynamite combination.

Click here to read excerpts from responses received.