Wal-Mart still bad idea for C'ville

This is in response to a letter published July 6, 2014 by William S. Hicks of Carpentersville.

His letter lacks any true knowledge of Wal-Mart's history. Wal-Mart Super Centers, as purposed for Carpentersville, do sell most everything, including specialty items like ethnic foods and drugs, automotive supplies and alcohol. They tend to sell what fits their specific market location. A Wal-Mart on the east side of Carpentersville will hurt or kill existing businesses.

It was I, while village president, who advocated for the TIF district at that location in 2009. There were some on the village board that opposed the TIF, those in opposition brought in people from as far away as Harvard, Illinois to voice their opposition to TIFs in general. I was able to convince a majority on the board to approve the TIF.

As for the Wal-Mart that is currently in East Dundee, well, I suggest that Mr. Hicks take a look around that location. He will find mostly car dealerships and other noncompetitive type of businesses. There are no food stores, drugstores or even a liquor store.

There are no automotive part stores, and that store in East Dundee isn't a Super Center Wal-Mart. Sure, East Dundee doesn't want to lose the Wal-Mart, because they have nothing else to replace it, and the loss will be a hit to their revenue. If that Wal-Mart does move, it may be a long term benefit for East Dundee; they may then be able to attract new businesses to that blighted area at Routes 25 and 72. The new blighted area will have moved just a few miles north to Carpentersville.

Sorry, Wal-Mart is a bad idea.

Bill Sarto

Carpentersville