WHAT'S NEW?

October 28, 2007 - Yet another great reason why we don't need a Wal-Mart at Rural and Southern: we can all drive over to the "Dodson Rd." location to shop. The photo below was captured by my neighbor today on her cell phone. Yikes.

October 27, 2007 - On October 24, several Tempe residents received news from city council representative Hut Hutson that the city will not be seeking approaches to block Wal-Mart from coming to Southern and Rural despite the signatures of over 1,800 Tempe residents who are in opposition. 

While the city has remained relatively passive in their consistent outreach to Save Tempe, Wal-Mart officials continue to underestimate the number of concerned Tempe citizens who are opposed to this initiative. Representatives have been slow to provide news or any proactive plans to address citizen concerns. So, with a third Wal-Mart now coming, what can WE do to Save Tempe neighborhoods?

  • First, don’t shop at Wal-Mart. This may not be easy for everyone, but it is critical that we let Wal-Mart know loud and clear that Tempe does not want an additional Wal-Mart Supercenter at Southern and Rural.
  • Second, contact the Tempe economic development staff and encourage them to help us attract the kinds of businesses that will enhance our neighborhoods...and help businesses like Wal-Mart find more appropriate locations (Tempe MarketPlace, AZ Mills...etc.)
  • Third – outreach to candidates who will be running for city council seats next spring. Ask them what their business vision of Tempe is and how it will stand to benefit aging Tempe neighborhoods. Vote for candidates who have both a neighborhood and a downtown vision – not just one or the other and hold them to the promise. Let them know that you want to be a stakeholder in your community.
  • Fourth – read up on the impact of Proposition 207. Proposition 207 is one of the most damaging pieces of legislation passed in recent years. It has allowed businesses like Wal-Mart to take over existing buildings with no opportunity for council review. Write to your state representative. Let them know that Proposition 207 is bad for Tempe/Arizona neighborhoods and ask them what they are going to do to overturn this flawed legislation. Learn more about Prop 207 by clicking here.

REASONS WHY WAL-MART IS NOT GOOD FOR RURAL & SOUTHERN

Traffic. Carrying an average of 83,000 vehicles per day, the intersection of Rural Rd. and Southern Ave. is currently at capacity. Wal-Mart will add additional traffic to this already overly-congested intersection - including thousands of shoppers and up to 18 semi-trucks per day.

Community Fit. Wal-Mart does not fit into the character of this community and our neighborhoods. This intersection houses some of our city’s most important cultural and recreational facilities — including our public library, historical museum and multi-generational center.

A Wal-Mart is Not Needed. No fewer than six supermarkets currently operate within one mile of Southern and Rural. Wal-Mart will duplicate existing retail offerings, while offering little shopping value to Tempe residents.