CCP 02-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Ken & Lynne Malloy 1662 Lake Johanna Blvd. Arden Hills, MN 55112 . . " ) /, ," ::1 r~' " '.J' Ci';-'{ ,.. 1 C', _b.._ February 22, 2001 Honorable Mayor and Council Members City of Arden Hills 4364 West Round Lake Road Arden Hills, MN 55112 Re: Proposed Walgreen Project, Co, Rd. E and Lexington Dear Mayor and Council Members, My wife and I, join other Arden Hills residents in a concern over the proposed Walgreen project. We have been residents of Arden Hills for 22 years, and I would be surprised if the intersection of the proposed location isn't the worst for congestion within the city. I am very familiar with Walgreen development projects and know they do increase congestion, as do other similar operations, regardless of street re,engineering. I suggest the city uses its available powers to direct the utilization of this property towards improving the current traffic situation, and make . sure to avoid increasing the problem. One of the things I enjoy most about Arden Hills is the small town community atmosphere, yet being so close to the big city resources, if needed. This very concept has repeatedly been stated in various city communications, the city newsletter, and in council election statements. The placement of this huge nationally run drug store only Y, block from our privately owned community drug store seems in conflict and inappropriate to this concept. Also, those not seeking the benefits of a community drug store, already have the option of utilizing a large discount pharmacy at Target, only a block or two away. I believe, that approval of this project would severely threaten the ability of our community drug store to survive due to the financial strength of Walgreen and its ability to eliminate its competition with temporary pricing incentives. Although the project would certainly increase the city's tax base for that property, it may well decrease other property values while threatening existing businesses. My wife suffers from M.S" and as a result we have had to rely heavily on the professional and personalized services of the Arden Plaza Phannacy. Countless times over the years, these people have gone far out oftheir way, to provide a level of service which I have never seen in a large discount pharmacy operation. This includes such things as question followup, researching alternatives, special delivery requests, house credit, assistance in insurance filing, and most importantly, treating you as a community member rather then just a customer. .