Urgent Update on the Fight Against Dollar General - Your Involvement Needed!
Dear Friends:
Since November 2023, a dedicated group of individuals, with widespread support from the community, has been tirelessly fighting against the introduction of Dollar General into our beloved Wallowa County. We wanted to take a moment to bring you up to speed on the progress made and to invite you to join us in this crucial battle for the future of our community.
Where We Have Been & Where We Are Now: This journey started in November 2023 for many of us when we first witnessed heavy equipment arriving just down the street from our homes. But the struggle began even earlier, as far back as 2022 for our county and city governments, who did not share their consideration of the permitting with the public.
Our efforts to prevent the development so far include:
- Articles in the Wallowa County Chieftain
- Distribution of yard signs to oppose the development
- Establishment of a Facebook page with crucial information, petition, and donation site
- Countless texts, phone calls, and emails seeking support to stop the development
- Numerous letters sent to the Planning Commission
- Engagement of an Attorney to support us in our formal appeals to the Wallowa County Planning Commission and Wallowa County Commissioners
- Participation in County Planning and Commissioner Meetings
Why We are Speaking Up: A development of this size has significant impacts on the integrity of community, natural resources, safety, and economy. The Planning Commission should have shared the plans with the community before approving the permits so that our voices could have been heard and concerns addressed. As neighbors of the development the safety of our children who catch their school bus adjacent to the Dollar General is of great concern, increased traffic places them in harms way.
Why We Oppose Dollar General:
1. Dollar General Places Critical habitat for Chinook Salmon and Steelhead at risk. The proximity of the development to Bear Creek poses the potential for adverse effects to the water quality and riparian habitat of the creek, which is designated critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead & bull trout listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
2. Dollar General Provides Limited Job Opportunities. While Dollar General provides jobs, these positions may be part-time with limited benefits. The company has faced criticism for its labor practices, including low wages. This can contribute to a low-wage job market in the community, potentially leading to financial instability for local residents.
3. Dollar General Negatively Impacts Public Health. Dollar General stores focus on providing highly-processed and packaged food items. The availability of inexpensive but nutritionally poor food options can contribute to health issues, especially in areas where access to fresh and healthy food is already limited. This is a concern particularly in "food deserts" where there is a lack of affordable, nutritious food.
4. Dollar General Harms Local Businesses. Dollar General's low prices and wide range of products may draw customers away from local businesses. Smaller, independent retailers may struggle to compete, leading to closures and a reduction in community diversity. The ripple effect of closures will impact both workers and shoppers.
5. Dollar General Does Not Represent Our Community Character. Dollar Generals have become a symbol of a community in crisis. Their presence sends the message to other businesses that a community lacks the wealth to be worthy of investment. The generic design of Dollar General with its bright yellow illuminated signage negatively impacts the aesthetics and character of our community. The tax revenue generated by Dollar General stores may not be sufficient to cover the costs of services they require, putting pressure on local budgets
What’s Next & How You Can Help: Our fight is far from over, and we need your support. Here's how you can help:
- Talk to your friends and neighbors, spread the word on social media, and write letters to Dollar General expressing your opposition.
- Share your concerns by sending a letter to the Wallowa County Chieftain, the Planning Commission, and the Wallowa County Commissioners.
- Attend the crucial Planning Commission meeting on March 27th at 6 PM in the County Courthouse.
For more information and to take immediate action, visit our website at nodollargeneral.com for a comprehensive overview of the issues at hand.
We Cannot Give Up This Fight: The battle against Dollar General is a fight for the soul of Wallowa County. We cannot afford to let the development of this type of business compromise our integrity, natural resources, safety, and cherished values. Stand with us in solidarity to protect the essence of our community.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the well-being of Wallowa County.