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<br />Page I of I <br /> <br />James Lehnhoff <br /> <br />From: Elaine McGillivray [emcgill@comcast.netj <br />Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 9:31 PM <br />To: James Lehnhoff <br />Subject: Aldi's & Walgreens <br /> <br />Hello, <br /> <br />I could not find the e-mail addresses of the Planning Commission members so I am sending this to you. Please forward <br />(or give copies) to the members. <br /> <br />I learned today that Arden Hills is considering having an Aldi's and a Walgreens come into Arden Plaza. I was amazed <br />that the city would consider this when we have a locally owned, independent pharmacy at that location and two other Big <br />Box stores with grocery stores and pharmacies (Cub and Target) a stone's throwaway. It seems to me the last thing we <br />need is another grocery store and another pharmacy thai would surely cause the closing of Arden Pharmacy. What is <br />Arden Hills thinking? <br /> <br />We moved to Arden Hills in 1980 when it was still considered a "village". Granted, at that time we could hardly find a <br />grocery store nearby. But with the Rainbow in Shoreview, the Fresh and Natural Foods in Shore view, the Super Target in <br />Shoreview, the Cub in Arden Hills, and the Byerly's in Roseville; we are inundated with grocery stores and have more <br />than enough pharmacies_ I can't imagine the owners of the shopping center have done a correct demographic study if <br />they think this area can really support another grocery store and pharmacy. <br /> <br />Arden Hills really has no downtown. Why not invite some more specialty stores to come to Arden Plaza or a good <br />restaurant? Why not create an area with some ambiance with some trees and an outdoor cafe? If you really think we <br />need another grocery store, why not a specialty store like Trader Joe's? My neighbors and I drive to Maple Grove or SI. <br />Louis Park to shop there. Most of my neighbors have never heard of Aldi's. And, most of us agree we would boycott a <br />Walgreens if it drives Arden Pharmacy out of its Arden Hills location. <br /> <br />Please consider the impact on our community, as you weigh this decision. Do we really want another Big Box wasteland <br />in Arden Hills (think old Highway 10 in Mounds View) with its parade of Walgreen's, CVS, Snyder's, and strip malls. <br />can't imagine this is what Arden Hills wants for its future. <br /> <br />Thank you for your consideration. <br /> <br />Elaine McGillivray <br />1270 NurseryHill Court <br />Arden Hills, MN <br /> <br />8/29/2007 <br />