Georgia
Athens
Protect Downtown Athens
www.protectdowntownathens.org
protectdowntownathens@gmail.com
Who We Are
In December 2011, a small group of Athenians met to discuss our concerns with Selig’s proposed development of the A&D property (a retail complex anchored by a Walmart Supercenter). We were concerned with the design, the lack of interaction with local initiatives and the impact a development of this scale would have on the city we love. We were also frustrated by the lack of accurate information and meaningful dialogue.
Many of us, along with Selig representatives, were in the audience on January 5, 2012 for presentations made by citizens, neighbors and design professionals. We felt that the presentations provided the foundation for informed discussion, and we wanted to share what we had learned.
We have deliberately not created a formal group, or put our identities at the forefront, because we felt it was a distraction from the information. We proudly stand behind the website and the information therein.
About Walmart in Athens
The proposed development will include 167,000 sq ft of retail space as compared to downtown’s existing 187,000 retail sq ft. and includes 1,150 parking spaces as compared to 1,989 downtown public parking spaces (serving retail, offices, restaurants, government buildings, etc.) Walmart opponents pack Athens-Clarke commission meeting
In the News
Walmart: Eastside store won’t close if one opens downtown
April 10, 2012 — Athens Banner-Herald
Panelists critique downtown Athens Walmart’s design
April 3, 2012 — Athens Banner-Herald
Walmart opponents pack Athens-Clarke commission meeting
Jan. 3, 2012 — Athens Banner-Herald
Protect Downtown Athens
www.peopleforabetterathens.org
Email Melissa Link at eande@uga.edu
Who We Are
Who is People for a Better Athens? We are people who love Athens!
About Walmart in Athens
Downtown Athens, Georgia is renowned for its rich cultural history, creative artistic community, local businesses and world famous music scene. Athens has earned its nickname the “Classic City.”
Today, Selig Enterprises threatens to harm Athens. Athens’ citizens have discovered in an 11th hour revelation that Selig Enterprises plans to build a 100,000 sq. foot Wal-Mart in downtown Athens. The construction of a big box store in downtown Athens will devastate the existing local business community and threatens to turn a vibrant downtown area into a ghost town of shuttered stores and empty buildings.
We encourage the citizens of Athens to “raise your voice” so your elected officials know that we can do better than plop a 100,000 sq. ft. Walmart in downtown Athens. We want to see our elected officials execute an Athens-based vision for downtown development that will better benefit the local citizens and enhance the long term viability of Athens.
In the News
Walmart: Eastside store won’t close if one opens downtown
April 10, 2012 — Athens Banner-Herald
Panelists critique downtown Athens Walmart’s design
April 3, 2012 — Athens Banner-Herald
Walmart opponents pack Athens-Clarke commission meeting
Jan. 3, 2012 — Athens Banner-Herald
Decatur
Good Growth Dekalb
www.goodgrowthdekalb.org
goodgrowthdekalb@gmail.com or call (678) 948-6696
Who We Are
Good Growth DeKalb is a citizens group that opposes construction of a Walmart at Suburban Plaza.
About Walmart in Decatur
Walmart has proposed a 150,000-square-foot store the Suburban Plaza shopping center. Decatur residents say the location is too close to the city’s downtown square and would siphon business from local retailers and worsen traffic congestion.
In the News
Reaction mixed over planned Walmart stores
March 12, 2012 — WSBTV 2
Residents Protest Plan to Open Walmart in Decatur
March 10, 2012 — Fox 5 Atlanta
© 2011, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.