Historical February 1990 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Dear Editor: I write on behalf of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council Board of Directors in response to a letter from a resident of the Winter Garden Apartments, 5708 Kingsbury.
In that letter, A. Smith questions why the SDCC opposes the proposal to locate a Walgreen’s at 301 DeBaliviere, on the lot south of the DeBaliviere Retail Centre.
In late August/early September, 1989, the developer of the project, Gary Mestman Realty, confirmed that he had an agreement with Walgreen’s for this site.
A member of the SDCC board was aware that neighbors on 4200 West Pine have problems with the Walgreen’s located north of them on 4200 Lindell.
The SDCC Executive Committee met with a representative of the 4200 West Pine Block Organization on September 27 to find out what kinds of problems they have experienced and how Walgreen’s had responded to their concerns.
The representative from West Pine outlined problems in four areas: 1. Public consumption of alcohol/public drunkenness—Buying a bottle of liquor at the Walgreen’s and consuming it on the premises (parking lot, alley, etc.), was common. Residents of the north side of West Pine, directly behind the Walgreen’s store, frequently called the police to rouse drunks who had passed out in their alleys and even in their back yards. 2. Security—Pan-handling on the parking lot was also common. Incidents of purse snatchings and muggings increased after Walgreen’s opened. 3. Traffic—The West Pine residential street experienced an increase in commercial traffic. Trucks were often left idling at the store, creating noise and fumes which effected the residential neighbors. 4. Litter—In addition to liquor bottles and cans, food wrappers, bags, receipts, etc. created an ongoing litter problem for the area. Nearby residents complained that the trash containers at the store are always full. Representatives of Walgreen’s were contacted about these concerns by West Pine neighbors and they were also invited to neighborhood meetings. Residents of West Pine felt their concerns were completely ignored.
On September 27, members of the SDCC board, residents of 5700 DeGiverville and 5700 Waterman met with the developer, Gary Mestman, and on November 16 they met again with the developer and representatives of Walgreen’s.
The site plan, building design, and proposed signage for this project were reviewed at these meetings.
There was concern expressed that the proposed site plan is significantly different than the plan which was approved nearly three years ago.
The building is at the back (west) of the lot with the rear of the building approximately 30 feet from the nearest residence on the south side of DeGiverville.
In addition, the commercial dumpsters and loading dock are located on the north side of the building—approximately 100 feet from the front doors of residential buildings on the south side of DeGiverville.
Following this review and discussion of problems and concerns the board unanimously adopted the following resolution at the December 4 board meeting: “Resolved, ‘That the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council Board of Directors opposes the proposal to locate a Walgreen’s on DeBaliviere at DeGiverville, Site A of the DeBaliviere Retail Center.
The Site plan and building design, and the high volume nature of the business, particularly the high volume sale of discount priced package liquor are not compatible with the residential character of the neighborhood. “The Board is concerned that residential neighbors of the Walgreen’s at 4200 Lindell have experienced problems with litter, loitering, public consumption of alcohol, public urination, security and traffic related to the business. • ‘The Council believes a Walgreen’s on DeBaliviere at DeGiverville would be a detriment to the entire Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood!” Copies of the site plans and other drawings related to this project are at the SDCC office, 6010 Kingsbury.
If anyone would like to see the plans or talk in greater detail about any of the meetings or SDCC’s position, please call me, 862-5122. Sincerely, Nancy Farmer Executive Director
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1990.
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Original source: SD_Times1990_02.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
