Comments on: Selig’s Official Argument for Reduced Parking at Suburban Plaza Walmart

By: New Resident

New Resident — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:47:03 +0000

I just moved to Decatur and would really enjoy having a Walmart in the Suburban Plaza. I shop at several grocery stores in the area (Dekalb Farmer’s Market, Krogers, Publix, and Avondale Walmart), and I know Walmart has the best prices on staple products. Having a WMT in the Suburban Plaza would brighten up what is now a dingy plaza and give us a more convenient place to shop & save money.

By: Sarah Facey

Sarah Facey — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:26:31 +0000

I totally agree with 20yearResident. As a longtime Decatur resident, I also “support the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza. It’s been an eyesore since I moved here.” Goodbye, thrift store! Hello, great values! I live on Forkner, grocery shop at the Avondale Walmart and the DeKalb Farmer’s Market, and can’t wait to shop closer to home. I wouldn’t have spend much time at a Whole Foods anyway – the prices at Walmart for the same items are just night and day better. I’d rather buy Great Value butter and milk and spend the saved food dollars on dinner out at the Brick Store, Cafe Alsace, and Iberian Pig.

By: Scott2

Scott2 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:48:01 +0000

With regard to parking counts, it’s also appropriate to keep in mind that the study assumed that ALL of the retail space in the shopping center is fully occupied and generating business. Since the food store is vacant and many of the other existing businesses are less than thriving, the need for parking in the short term will probably be less than projected.

If Selig should decide at a later time to expand or redevelop any of the remaining portions of Suburban Plaza, they’ll have to go for another variance if there’s an increase in square footage. If a day comes when there’s not enough parking, it’ll mean that all the property’s businesses are thriving (and probably improved from today)…and that’d be a good thing, wouldn’t it?

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:47:04 +0000

Neither TJ or WF would have the store size or customer numbers to be an anchor tenant and make the development numbers work. An alternative would have to be some other brand of big-box store.

By: 20yearResident

20yearResident — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:57:06 +0000

I’ve enjoyed living here in Decatur for 20 years and have seen a lot of changes. Some that I was happy to see, and some not so much.
Until I hear more compelling arguments, I support the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza. It’s been an eyesore since I moved here.The worst issue I can see so far is increased traffic. Just don’t think it’s a big enough issue to keep it from happening though. The fact that Walmart and Selig are working with the community is a good sign. I don’t want to stop progress- especially when it’s willing to work with us. Makes it hard for me to jump on the anti-development bandwagon.
Just wanted to let people know that there are some residents who support the idea. I really hope the plan is approved.