Post in A bad place for a good project

Jan 08 04:02 UTC

A few comments on the comments thus far:

Mike Fratto:

I have never been to a Trader Joe’s;  but whatever they’re doing, it is a very
popular retail destination. One of the people who spoke in support of the
project argued that many STP residents are presently motoring to either St.
Louis Park or Woodbury to get their TJ fix.

John Krenik:

I saw your brief supportive testimony.  But I disagree with your
characterization;   “the traffic issue was addressed at length”.

It was, but only by those opposed to the project. At best it was glossed over
by the developer.

The underground parking is great (although it must be a very high expense for
the project). But parking is not the issue here. Rather it will be the number
of cars entering and leaving the site.

Yes, truck deliveries will be limited (2-4 per day from a central warehouse in
Chicago).  Thanks to Dave Thune, who by raising a question about this,
underscored that TJ’s has virtually no intention of buying from local sources.

Bill Kahn:

Any chain retail establishment has a flock of experts who are knowledgeable
about siting dynamics, etc. And I respect their expertise.

But I would still like to know, specifically, why they think this is the best
site for their STP operation. That has never been made explicit – at least in
the public hearings.

Dennis Hill:

You said: “Generally the city council protocol is for the other members of the
council to defer to the wishes of the council member who represents the area in
question.”

That seemed very apparent during the proceedings.  You could see that others,
especially Dave Thune, seemed to have their reservations.  But no one was
willing to voice them, at least publicly.

Nanette Echols:

Personally, I am ambivalent about the “walmart argument.”  There is the upside
(lower prices) and the downside (deleterious effect on less efficient local
businesses).

But in this case, the law of unintended consequences may be in play.
Politicians want the economic development (75 new jobs, etc.), but they are not
thinking clearly about the consequences of shoehorning a retail establishment
into an unsuitable site (in a residential neighborhood) – in terms of traffic
congestion and the effect on other retail food establishments serving the area.

........................................................................

We’re not talking about some scum bum operation here.  From everything I’ve
heard, Trader Joe’s is a great retail establishment, treats their employees
well, and always seems to be a good business citizen in the community.

But any reasonably observant person can foresee significant traffic congestion
for such a popular operation, which will be a problem for the immediate
neighbors and people passing through the intersection (to get to the airport or
the 35E ramp, for example).

But I would think the congestion would also be a problem for Trader Joe
customers trying to get in and out of their parking lots.

In any case, even if the deal goes through at that location, our little world
will continue to function.

But it will become one more urban nuisance that could have been easily avoided
by locating the store at some other, better location – of which there are many.