We, the residents of Port Angeles and Clallam County, cherish our community. The proposed rezoning of one of our residential neighborhoods to commercial for a Dollar General Store hurts our community, endangers the character of our quiet residential neighborhood and worsens the traffic safety at one of the most accident prone areas of town. The proposed Dollar General store is surrounded by single family homes to its north, south, east, and west. Such zoning may be considered spot zoning - an unfair practice that benefits few at the expense of many (American Planning Association). Our city's Comprehensive Plan has over 100 residential homes marked for commercial zoning in its Future Land Use Map. Overwhelming majority of these home owners were not aware of such designation in our city's Comprehensive Map and do not want their homes or their neighborhoods becoming commercial. The City of Port Angeles should amend the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the values, the wishes, and the best interest of our community and preserve the character of our neighborhoods.

We oppose Dollar General and rezoning of our residential neighborhoods because Dollar store chains:

• Erode community identity.
• Likely increase crime rates. A study by The Atlantic found that areas around dollar stores often see an uptick in petty crimes. Dollar General is notorious for failing to provide adequate security for its employees and customers.
• Reduce tax revenues for local governments.
• Are often cited for serious safety violations.
• Sometimes use illegal or restrictive business practices.
• Provide poor value to customers.
• Create and exacerbate food deserts.
• Have poor labor practices with thin staffing and security.
• Threaten local businesses, particularly grocery stores.
• Build ugly commercial structures that destroy the character of residential neighborhoods.
• Build low quality purpose-built structures that are very difficult to revert to residential or convert to other uses.
• Worsen traffic safety problems. There were over 130 car accidents near the proposed Dollar General site in the last 5 years. It is one of the most dangerous areas on Hwy 101. 

Your signature can help preserve our beloved neighborhoods while ensuring their safe growth for future generations. Please sign this petition today!