HomeMy WebLinkAbout[03] Written Testimony - Schwegel32104 November Drive
St. Joseph, MN 56374
June 2, 2009
Mayor Al Rassier
City Council, City of St. Joseph
25 College Avenue North
St. Joseph, MN 56374
Dear Mayor Rassier:
This letter is concerning the Coborns store proposal now being evaluated by the St.
Joseph City Council. Twelve years ago I moved from St. Cloud out near St. Joseph.
During those twelve years I have been active in the local church and community and
cherish what we have. Because I value the character of our city, I am concerned about
what I see happening, and about to happen.
In Dr. Frank Luntz's New York Times bestseller book from 2007, "Words That Work,"
he sites a growing trend of people moving from urban and suburban areas to quiet, small
towns, like St. Joseph. Many of the residents i know have moved here to get away from
the hectic, fast-paced urban and suburban life. Many of the folks who grew up here, and
are still here, I believe, are also here for that very same reason. St. Joseph still has that
quaint, serene, small town charm, free from the noise, traffic, pollution and crime a bigger
city has. My concern is we are loosing that small town identity to urban sprawl. First, the
Cents Clinic, then the apartments and town homes on the south side, now a major
grocery store with a gas station and car wash. I don't believe the people of St. Joseph
want the urban sprawl and the traffic, noise, congestion and pollution that those projects
bring.
Of the most concern to me is the Coborn's store. The Coborn Corporation is a large, very
financially successful company that is now trying to squeeze $300,000 out of a small,
cash strapped community. This is couched in the threat, or strong-arm tactic, of saying
"Give us the money or we won't come." My opinion is, it would be great if they didn't
come. It's only 4-5 miles into Waite Park and Cash Wise, and I can see the lights of
Sartell's Coborn's Superstore from my house. I don't mind driving a few miles for
groceries. And we don't need another car wash or gas station.
Coborn's is a powerful organization that is used to getting what they want, so I know they
will be leaning on you very hard. I just ask that you find it in the best of St. Joseph to say
"no" to urban sprawl and maintain our quaint, small town character.
Sincerely,
C;~;~,~,.,~1._
Richard Schwegel