As a lifelong resident and small business owner in Orangevale, California, I have seen firsthand how big chain businesses can negatively impact our local economy. The proposed construction of a Quick Quack Car Wash and Dutch Bros Coffee at the corner of Greenback Lane and Hazel Avenue threatens to disrupt the balance we've worked so hard to maintain.

The shopping center I own on Greenback Lane up the street from the proposed project site was once in disrepair, but with careful renovation, it has become a thriving hub for local businesses. These small enterprises are not just economic assets; they are part of our community's identity. I renovated the shopping center without disrupting the small businesses that occupied the building. These local small businesses were able to stay in their current location AND grow after the renovation. I also rented the vacant and remodeled units to new local small businesses that have flourished in the shopping center. I host monthly events in the shopping center parking lot to bring the community together and help bring business to the center and boost our local community.

I would hate to see the small businesses in the complex where these big chains are proposing to go in fail and be torn down. Inevitably that would happen. The small businesses that are located on Greenback Lane and Hazel Ave have been there for years. Disruption of this kind is detrimental to small business owners and our community.

The introduction of large chains like Quick Quack Car Wash and Dutch Bros Coffee could lead to an increase in traffic congestion, noise pollution, and potentially harm our environment due to increased water usage (Quick Quack Car Wash alone uses approximately 50 gallons per car). Moreover, these corporations often siphon revenue away from local economies - according to the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), every $100 spent at local businesses keeps $68 in your city compared to only $43 when spending at a national chain.

Our opposition to these projects is not unfounded. It is rooted in genuine concerns for the potential impacts on our community. Here are some key reasons why we as Orangevale citizens strongly oppose the building of Dutch Bros and Quick Quack Car Wash:

1. Strain on our local small business community: When big businesses move into our small area it immediately shuts down local businesses. In May of 2008 when Walmart was built on the opposite corner of the proposed building site, it caused the closure of a small grocery store and other small businesses in that immediate area. It also forced the closure of another big chain store, Walgreens. There were several thriving small grocery stores in our community that closed due to Walmart coming to town. It caused the bankruptcy of several business complexes in the area, and they have yet to recover in the past 15 years. If we continue to allow big businesses to take over our small community, we will be forcing all local small businesses to close their doors. When the big businesses don’t succeed in our area, they bail leaving abandoned buildings and the wake of destruction caused by the local businesses that were forced to close their doors. What do we have left afterwards?

2. Increased Traffic Congestion and Safety Issues: Hazel Avenue traffic is finally getting back to normal after years of road construction in this immediate area. This intersection has accidents on a weekly basis already. If this area were to have more construction the traffic would become congested again, possibly resulting in an increase in accidents. If Quick Quack Car Wash and/or Dutch Bros were to be built in this location, the line of cars for either drive thru area would extend out on to Hazel Ave and Greenback Lane. This impedes the flow of traffic severely and causes unfavorable traffic conditions and safety issues.

We must protect our town's unique character and support its growth sustainably. We urge county supervisors and planners to reconsider this proposal for the sake of preserving Orangevale's charm while supporting its small businesses. Please sign this petition if you stand with us against this development project.