Stop Margaretville Family Dollar

We respectfully urge the Margaretville Village Board members to vote AGAINST any motion to change the zoning laws of the Village at this time.
We believe that new construction of any retail commercial space in the village at this time is not in the best interest of either the business community or the general taxpayers. In particular we do not believe that a Family Dollar Store should be encouraged or supported by the Village Board at the proposed location next to the Post Office.
1) The reason the zoning law was enacted in the first place was to encourage retail development in existing buildings. We still have empty storefronts on Main St. and that reasoning still exists.
2) The Village has a comprehensive planning process underway right now in which the entire community is participating. No zoning changes should be made until that plan is reviewed and adopted.
3) This construction in the flood way flood plain area of our community is dangerous for all concerned.
4) By changing our laws to allow this department store, something the owner likens to a mini-Wal-mart, we are increasing the competition for our struggling Mom and Pop stores, which have been doing business here for decades. As we enter a recession, there can be no doubt that more competition will force some of these folks out, leaving even more empty store-fronts on Main Street. The following businesses will be threatened by this store:
Millers Drug Store, Brookside Hardware, E & B Accessories, Lost Art of Living, Home Goods, Sweet Peas, the 99 Cent Store, Village Homemaker, East Branch Gallery, Little Sprouts, Dig-In, Foodtown, and even the Margaretville Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop.
5) Changing the zoning on this property sets a precedent, by rewarding a residential property owner for allowing housing to fall into such disrepair that bull-dozing, rather than renovation, was viewed as a positive economic strategy.
6) We have a Dollar Store on Main Street already and another set to open out on Rt. 28. Building a third one in the Village wont be good for anyone.