Group sees Wal-Mart threat to Vermont

Group sees Wal-Mart threat to Vermont

Historic trust group says new stores would smash state's rural life.
May 24, 2004: 10:59 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vermont was designated an "endangered place" Monday by preservationists who say Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, threatens the picturesque state with huge new stores that smash rural life.

In its annual list of most endangered historic places, the National Trust for Historic Preservation included the state of Vermont because of an "onslaught of big-box" stores by Wal-Mart , the Arkansas-based retailer.

Trust President Richard Moe said Wal-Mart planned to "saturate" Vermont -- known for its quaint villages, winding back roads and strong sense of community -- with seven new "Super Stores."

These stores, said Moe, would spur more development, sprawl and lead to disinvestment in historic downtown areas and a loss of locally owned business.

more... http://money.cnn.com/2004/05/24/news/fortune500/walmart_historic.reut/?cnn=yes




Fearing development, Vermont listed among most endangered places

By JENNIFER C. KERR, Associated Press
Last Updated: May 24, 2004, 08:01:51 AM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Famous for its fall foliage, quaint towns and covered bridges, the state of Vermont's charm is threatened by a corporate behemoth, a nonprofit preservation group warned on Monday.

The alleged culprit: Wal-Mart.

Because of plans for several new Wal-Mart Supercenters across the state, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has placed the entire state of Vermont on its 2004 list of the most endangered historic places in the United States.

The 10 other sites on the list include Nine Mile Canyon in Utah, with its 10,000 Native American rock-art images; the Ridgewood Ranch in northern California, the home and final resting place of legendary racehorse Seabiscuit; and Pennsylvania's Bethlehem Works steel plant.

more... http://www.modbee.com/24hour/nation/story/1390443p-8650884c.html

did they finally lose that battle? What changed?

But they made Walmart move into the old Kmart in the downtown shopping plaza, which seemed like a good compromise. I thought that would be the model for any future Walmarts in the state.

I realize why Vermont doesn't want WM, but I was thrilled to hear the decision of a town in Calif. that said NO. If you didn't hear, WM had applied for the OK to build a Super Center in this town and the City Council turned them down. WM, being the civilminded folks they are, PAID $12.00 a signature (I think) to get this proposal on the ballot. They succeeded and it went to a vote of the people. HA HA, the people voted NO!

I liked Sam Walton, but when he died and the kids took over, they are doing the exact opposite of Sam. I'm glad the PEOPLE are standing up to this giant and telling them they DON'T rule the world!!!