2008 Woodie Awards
City Council approves rezoning for Super Wal-Mart
Rachel Goodell - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: Metro
Iowa City city councilors welcomed a second Super Wal-Mart to the Iowa City area with their third and final rezoning vote on Tuesday.
The rezoning approval will allow the southern Iowa City Wal-Mart to be rebuilt as a Super Wal-Mart.
Six of the seven people who spoke during public discussion opposed the Super Wal-Mart, matching the six councilors who approved its expansion. Many of the citizens opposing the issue cited Wal-Mart's alleged unlawful treatment of its workers, including former Wal-Mart employee Nancy Braun.
Braun, a Minnesota resident who recently won a class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart, spoke about the deplorable working conditions she experienced.
Councilor Connie Champion, though, said employees are treated the same at all large retailers.
Braun, now a Target employee, disagreed.
"I'm not treated that way at Target," she said. "I'm respected at Target."
Gary Sanders, a longtime vocal opponent of Wal-Mart, said he was quite disappointed with the outcome.
"I think anything in zoning has to be in the betterment of the community," he said. "Wal-Mart is a detriment to the community."
City Councilor Mike Wright, who was once again the sole vote against the rezoning, also expressed disappointment.
Wright opposed the giant retail chain not only because of its alleged worker mistreatment, he said, but also because he felt the new design would not be aesthetically appealing for those entering the city.
"I don't think that's the most attractive gateway," he said.
Several of the councilors stressed that this was a rezoning issue and Wal-Mart hadn't done anything to violate its zoning agreement.
Councilor Matt Hayek said concerned citizens should have called for a change in zoning ordinances. But, he said, because this was not done, the council had to apply the ordinances currently in place.
Councilor Ross Wilburn said it was important to treat Wal-Mart the same as any other business in, because it was not receiving tax breaks from the city. As such, the corporation's alleged unlawful practices were irrelevant to his decision, he said.
"Whether or not I like someone should not be a consideration," he said.
In other business, Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey presented Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper with a key to the city during the council meeting. Harper won a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles this summer. The Olympian said she spoke at City High on Monday as well as Lucas and Wickham Elementary schools. She thanked the council and the city for supporting her while competing in Beijing.
The council also approved a bid for $99,000 from Washington, Iowa-based DeLong Construction Inc. to remove sand and debris in City Park left over from the flood.
The rezoning approval will allow the southern Iowa City Wal-Mart to be rebuilt as a Super Wal-Mart.
Six of the seven people who spoke during public discussion opposed the Super Wal-Mart, matching the six councilors who approved its expansion. Many of the citizens opposing the issue cited Wal-Mart's alleged unlawful treatment of its workers, including former Wal-Mart employee Nancy Braun.
Braun, a Minnesota resident who recently won a class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart, spoke about the deplorable working conditions she experienced.
Councilor Connie Champion, though, said employees are treated the same at all large retailers.
Braun, now a Target employee, disagreed.
"I'm not treated that way at Target," she said. "I'm respected at Target."
Gary Sanders, a longtime vocal opponent of Wal-Mart, said he was quite disappointed with the outcome.
"I think anything in zoning has to be in the betterment of the community," he said. "Wal-Mart is a detriment to the community."
City Councilor Mike Wright, who was once again the sole vote against the rezoning, also expressed disappointment.
Wright opposed the giant retail chain not only because of its alleged worker mistreatment, he said, but also because he felt the new design would not be aesthetically appealing for those entering the city.
"I don't think that's the most attractive gateway," he said.
Several of the councilors stressed that this was a rezoning issue and Wal-Mart hadn't done anything to violate its zoning agreement.
Councilor Matt Hayek said concerned citizens should have called for a change in zoning ordinances. But, he said, because this was not done, the council had to apply the ordinances currently in place.
Councilor Ross Wilburn said it was important to treat Wal-Mart the same as any other business in, because it was not receiving tax breaks from the city. As such, the corporation's alleged unlawful practices were irrelevant to his decision, he said.
"Whether or not I like someone should not be a consideration," he said.
In other business, Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey presented Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper with a key to the city during the council meeting. Harper won a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles this summer. The Olympian said she spoke at City High on Monday as well as Lucas and Wickham Elementary schools. She thanked the council and the city for supporting her while competing in Beijing.
The council also approved a bid for $99,000 from Washington, Iowa-based DeLong Construction Inc. to remove sand and debris in City Park left over from the flood.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Anne
posted 9/24/08 @ 7:48 AM CST
Wright thinks that the new Super Wal-Mart won't be the most attractive gateway. Has he seen the entrance on Riverside Drive. Anything will look great compared to that. (Continued…)
Jessie
posted 9/24/08 @ 11:12 PM CST
That's a load of crap!! I'm protesting. Down with corrupt, money grabbing businesses!!!! Down with giant corporations that don't give a shit about anyone but themselves!!!! Down with companies that take away jobs here in America and manufacture in China!!!! Down with Wal-Mart!!!! Wal-Mart hurts local businesses, which consequently makes us taxpayers pay higher in taxes!!!! If you think I'm a load of crap, look it up online!!!! Wal-Mart is a horror house!!!! Down with Wal-Mart!!!!
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