Dollar General is attempting to purchase a parcel of land at 6280 Lafayette Road.  While I am all for progress, I believe this is a step in the wrong direction in upholding the core values that make our township what it is.  We do not need this corporate monstrosity to come in here and build yet another eyesore building that they will soon neglect as they move on to their next location.  Their other location on Lafayette Road is a prime example of this neglect.  Not to mention, the Seville location that was recently cited for an OSHA violation for having a locked exit.  If this Dollar General were to be built, it would be in addition to one 3.5 miles away and one 5.5 miles away.  Neither of these locations can properly staff to be open normal business hours, nor can they maintain their equipment (Lafayette Road location had coolers down for over a month).  So why is a new location in our rural township necessary when they cannot maintain any of the ones they own in surrounding areas?  They have no ties to our community... but yet Lafayette Market has been a staple in this community for many years as well as Richardson Farms that will donate to local organizations and fundraisers without batting an eye.  Where is the protection for these hometown businesses? 

"Lafayette Township is located in Northeast Ohio’s Medina County, part of the Cleveland/Akron metropolitan area. Situated immediately southwest of the city of Medina, the county seat, Lafayette Township features excellent roads and ready access to a wide array of shopping venues and conveniences while retaining a relaxed and rural flavor."  This comes directly from our township's website.  If Dollar General comes in, we are no longer retaining a relaxed and rural flavor, but rather selling out to a chain that doesn't care about its employees or the small towns they invade; nor do they care about those who they employ considering they turn a blind eye to OSHA violations and simply settle out of court for their numerous violations country-wide. 

"From the familiar national department stores to boutique shops in a historic area, family restaurants, to eclectic cuisine, to fine dining – they can all be found just moments from Lafayette."  These amenities being "moments from Lafayette" and not IN Lafayette are why we all live here.  Don't bring that closer, as you simply ruin the reason every single resident has chosen our township to live in.  

The property for sale at 6280 Lafayette Road is 29 acres of land that has sat vacant since Leo Vaske passed away in 2009.  This land has been farmed and raised a family.  This land is home to an abundance of wildlife and a beautiful array of foliage.  I cannot see the sense in removing all of this to replace it with bright yellow, neon signs screaming Dollar General.  Leo's daughter, Marlene is in control of the property and has no vested interest in our community, as she lives in Bellevue, Washington, the fifth largest city in the state of Washington, with a population over 25 times that of our small township. 

Not only is this storefront "noxious" as cited in zoning code, but it is a safety hazard.  With this project, comes a road widening with a turning lane.  This will bring two families with small children 1/5 of the way closer to a state route from their front doors.  Not to mention a large group of children that get on and off the bus at Lafayette Schoolhouse just .25 miles down the road.

Please join me in showing interest in preserving the township we all love and sign and share the petition so Dollar General is well aware we don't want them here.