Tell City to say 'no' to zone change

Editor,

Wal-Mart would always like people to think that the building of a new Super-center is always a done deal. It gives citizens the feeling that they cannot stop them. However, many communities across the United States have stopped them and the citizens of Lake County can, too.

Ravalli County has already sent Wal-Mart a message in passing a big-box ordinance limiting stores to 65,000 square feet or less. In the last few months the cities of Helena, Great Falls and Moscow, Idaho, have also recently denied zone change requests for Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.

Wal-Mart needs to build stores that work for small communities and meet growth policies, zoning laws and development codes. Wal-Mart can build smaller stores that meet the needs of rural communities. It is time Wal-Mart starts doing what is good for a community and not what is only good for their shareholders and Wall Street.

The Polson City County Planning Board recently voted 6 to 2 against allowing a zone change for the proposed Super Wal-Mart as they realized this zone change does not meet the requirements of the Polson Master Plan, Development Code or Montana zoning laws.

Even if you support such a building, how can you support a zone change that would cause harm to property values of adjacent residential homes? How would you like the City changing zoning in your neighborhood to allow a high traffic and a high volume business next to your home? Think about your neighbor's home.

Please send a letter to the City of Polson telling them "no" to the zone change for Wal-Mart. Letters can be mailed to 106 First Street East Polson, MT 59860 or email to polsonmayor@centurytel.net

Greg Hertz, Polson