HERMITAGE Author discusses ways to deter superstores
A self-styled 'sprawl buster' has offered some advice on stopping superstores from coming to town.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Should city commissioners decide to take a stand against the influx of big box retail stores, a Greenfield, Mass., man has given them some tips on how to do it.
Al Norman, who calls himself a "sprawl buster," has written a book about it called "Slam Dunking Wal-Mart: How You Can Stop Superstore Sprawl in Your Hometown."
Norman spoke to the commissioners at a Thursday work session, outlining steps that could be taken to prevent big box retailers such as Super Wal-Mart stores from coming into town.
City Manager Gary Hinkson said Norman's visit was arranged by Michael Magnotto, owner of the Shop 'N' Save grocery store on East State Street.
Possibly eyeing area: There has been some conjecture at recent commission meetings that Wal-Mart may be interested in opening one of its superstores here.
Wal-Mart already has a smaller store on the Shenango Valley Freeway, but several developers have told the city they are talking to the company about a superstore.
Some commissioners have expressed concerns about what economic impact such a store would have on city businesses.
Zoning changes urged: Norman said Hermitage could enact some zoning regulation changes to dissuade such stores from locating here.
The city could require any retail development of a certain size to have an independent economic impact study done by a neutral expert before any development is approved, he said.
Further, the city could cap the size of retail stores at 25,000 square feet in central commercial areas and 60,000 square feet in highway commercial areas.
Super Wal-Marts range in size from 120,000 to 200,000 square feet or more.
Hinkson said the city will look at the information provided by Norman but added there has been little discussion and no consensus that the city will want to act to prevent large retailers from coming to town.