Those Left Behind

Colin MacNair

The Saga of old darkened Wal-Marts, K-Marts, and other "Big Boxes" will continue as long as our Planners allow it. Now is the time for Planners to collectively take a stance concerning the disposition of the old "Big Box" before the new "Big Box" is permitted in a market area. Existing market forces can not handle these one-use vacancies, especially in smaller communities. No jumping the county line just to get a permit. The darkened “Big Box” blight spreads.

Old "Box" sites must be re-developed, razed, sold, or donated to local government for use or resale BEFORE final approval is granted for new "Box". Sounds crazy, but look at the blight and impermeable surfaces they leave behind...not to mention the "mom & pop" tenants. These smaller leases should be coordinated to the life of the "Big Box." Do not always blame the retailer; the landlords are co-responsible. Depreciation has helped their balance sheet.

If large retailers are truly concerned about families, neighborhoods, and communities, they should not leave the old neighborhood in a lurch while they move a mile down the street to new digs!