Zone change request should be rejected

Editor,

With the final City Council meeting regarding the proposed Wal-Mart Super Center approaching, I felt compelled to express my opinion regarding the issue. My hope is that others who have not yet let their feelings be known, will plan on attending the meeting on Thursday, June 29, to share their thoughts.

I strongly object to the approval of the proposed Wal-Mart supercenter. Though I'm opposed to the supercenter in our community for a number of important reasons, a primary objection of mine is the proposed location. I believe the Planning Board was acting accordingly when they voted 6 to 2 in early May to reject the zone change necessary for Wal-Mart to build on the proposed site. The Polson Master Plan and Growth Policy clearly define the guidelines for appropriate development in our beautiful city, and the supercenter's proposed location is in clear violation of the vision expressed in those documents.

It is true that growth will happen in Polson. I'm not naive, I realize that many people have come and will continue to arrive. But we have a choice in determining how our town grows. This place is a jewel, it has been called the Gateway to Glacier by many.

The city council's decision regarding the Wal-Mart expansion can reflect forward thinking leadership that proves they are true stewards for preserving and guiding Polson's growth to protect the beauty of its scenic location.

Or, the council's decision can reflect a "growth at any cost" mentality that will create a vision of urban blight that will scar this town forever.

I urge the city council to maintain the low-density residentail zoning to Polson's east entrance. It is the right and necessary thing to do.

Ginni Lionberger

Polson