Sunday, April 01, 2007
Editorial: Blacksburg faces a big-box dilemma
To preserve the town's character, large retailers should receive extra scrutiny.
From the RoundTable blog
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Having seen the rapid development of large retail centers in neighboring Christiansburg, some members of Blacksburg Town Council want the ability to limit so-called big-box stores in their community. They should approve an ordinance quickly.
The ordinance proposed by Councilman Don Langrehr would require developers who wish to build a single commercial operation larger than 80,000 square feet to receive approval from town council. That would not prohibit a Target, Home Depot or other gargantuan store, but it would force the town to think about whether a particular proposal is right for the community. Public hearings would play an important role in the process.
Such ordinances exist in many towns across the nation.
Big-box stores can dramatically change a town. They have benefits, such as increased tax base and convenience. They also have costs, such as increased demand on infrastructure and more traffic. In addition, intangibles related to these stores shape the experience of a town.
A dichotomy exists between Christiansburg and Blacksburg. The former is a commercial hotbed with many shopping options. It also possesses relatively inexpensive homes. The other has a university-town character and higher property values. Neither is better; they are just different.
The special character of Blacksburg is worth preserving, and paying close attention to potential large commercial developments would help accomplish that.
Blacksburg residents who wish to shop at such stores can already head to Christiansburg. The commercial hub there is easily accessible either by car or on public transportation.
Time is short. A large retail development is in the works for South Main Street around the Gables Shopping Center. It could host, for example, a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Once formal development plans are in the works, the town could not easily apply a new ordinance retroactively.
Blind pursuit of economic development for its own sake seldom creates an attractive place to live. Residents of Blacksburg should have the chance to decide what size stores augment their town.
