Bummed that people would rather shop than ...

**ironmaiden** · 03-29-2006, 09:17 AM

I'm still fighting the mall. And am appalled that a group from the other side of town - it's not a big town - are forming a group saying that they want the mall - I guess they have about 200 signatures. That more convenient shopping is more important to them than their town, the downtown businesses and the people whose homes would abut a mall. They don't care about the traffic on this side of town. That having to drive 6 less miles to the nearest mall is worth sacrificing others for. There are literally 5 malls within 10 miles of us already. And the school committee wants this - for the extra tax dollars - which will be far less than they think as our strip mall of 15 stores generated over a 1000 police calls last year. Nevermind the values and character that having a mall within biking distance would be on the children, preteens and teens of this town.

I am completely horrified that protecting your neighbor comes second to shopping as a way of life? Have we become this shallow?

**Sara Noel** · 03-29-2006, 09:44 AM

Our little city sold out too. We've only been here for 5 years and it's sad to see what is happening.

**JustMegan79** · 03-29-2006, 10:32 AM

Our area has blown up with retail stores. I dont get it, the jobs here are mainly industry, manufacturing plants, this town grew up on DuPont, Merck, Hershey, Alcoa and Little Debbie. But those jobs are really really hard to get. But they are the ones that provide livable income to families, and most who work there, there whole family has worked there. Now we have so many people without jobs, yet they say we have very low unemployment, thats because all these new retail places are coming in, but they only pay minimum wage, which is $5.15/hr.
The houses are skyrocketing n value, but that doesnt help any of us unless we are selling.

Megan

**frugalfarmwife** · 03-29-2006, 11:08 AM

I'm so sorry that they're doing this in your area, it's so sad to see happen. I know that since I've moved back to my hometown I've watched the north end turn into retail heck, turns my stomach to see it and remember all the gorgeous farms that WERE there.

Luckily I'm just south of town so don't have to deal with that, we just have to deal with all the Mcmansions that have been built around us and then complain about the sounds/smell/dirt from our farming, hmm, and we're the ones that are feeding them!

kj

**ewokgirl** · 03-29-2006, 01:01 PM

Yes, our society has become that shallow. People don't really have hobbies anymore. Shopping has become a hobby for most women I know. I was that way as a teen, but as I got older, I just got bored with it all. I now only go to malls if I absolutely have to. I just don't get the point of wandering around looking at merchandise.

People are selfish. They often only think about how something will benefit themselves, not how it will hurt others. I hope that petition in favor of the mall is not successful.

**Exiled2FL** · 03-29-2006, 02:40 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about this - You have an uphill battle ahead of you for sure! When we travel, DH and I often comment on how towns in different parts of the country look just about the same. You can find Starbucks, Kinko's etc. in the smallest villages nowadays!

Good luck!

Heather

**fernykins** · 03-29-2006, 05:10 PM

I live about 10 miles from a big mall (Onterio Mills) I have been in there 2 times since they built it....... Way too many people. I don't like places like that......... So I stay away...... We had 2 malls in San Berardino one closed down and is being used for something besides a mall........ I'm within walking distance of 3 strip malls...... They have had to put 3 extra stop lights on the street I live on because of them
Fern

**NoDebtMom** · 03-29-2006, 05:19 PM

Such a bummer. This is happening all over the place.

**Telephus44** · 03-29-2006, 05:48 PM

I'm in central MA, and its happening all over the place here. No one is willing to drive 20 minutes to the "old" mall, they'd rather drive 5 minutes to the "new" mall. And it just kills me that people don't seem to realize that its the same large chain stores - offering the same merchandise - just in a different location!

I really miss the small local stores. I shop there when I can and go to the big malls only when I need exercise (to walk around) or there's a great sale/coupon out for a store.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 03-29-2006, 05:56 PM

Here in our town we've had the Wally World invasion! We now have 5 super Walmarts. Our county commision finally wised up when the last one wanted to replace an exisiting one but add 5000 square feet. Who needs that much stuff!

In the last 20 years I've seen my sleepy town explode. So I'll pray for you as you fight the good fight.

Laurie in Bradenton

**ironmaiden** · 03-30-2006, 03:15 PM

Our small local stores i.e. the non-chain stores - are already working on their Plan B. If the mall comes, they are planning on leaving and hence we'll have that dead downtown look. Plus we have empty stores downtown and no one wants to start a business if that means starting a business next to a mall.