More Reflections on Wal-Mart in Ontario, California
For the last decade the former parcel on Fifth and Mountain in Ontario has been an eyesore since their former tenants left. Ontario residents have been fighting Wal-Mart who bought the property and the city government to prevent a Super Wal-Mart from being built in their neighborhood.
I could understand that the city of Ontario would like to have more sales tax revenue and more jobs flowing thru, but it seems the city only listens to big money flowing thru its leader’s campaign accounts. There should be an amicable compromise between the residents and the property owner to make things happen.
I would suggest solutions on restricting the hours of operation where it would only be 24/7 during the winter season as a start to make an olive branch to the residents who surround the parcel. A regular sized wal-mart with a micro-market such as their Marketside concept or a Wal-Mart neighborhood market a few blocks a way would have more public support.
I think honestly there should be a referendum with people who live in a 1.5 mile radius in Ontario to decide if the project should be there. If not, Wal-Mart should be refunded the purchase of their land plus 15% and find a new business or residential complex that would be least offensive.
