The recently formed Wawarsing/Ellenville Responsible Development (WERD) group held its first organizational meeting on Thursday, December 31in a vacant storefront behind Image Fashion in Ellenville. The meeting, which lasted well over two hours, brought together a small cross section of Village business owners, local activists, labor union organizers and a member of Wawarsing's town board. This preliminary meeting discussed and focused on the potential impact a Wal-Mart Super Center would have on the village, merchants, and the surrounding area, while discussing the strategies needed to deter such a project and offer viably sustainable alternatives to the community.

Facilitated by Village Trustee Steve Krulick, the group is an outgrowth of the earlier formed SWEET group (Sustainable Wawarsing Ellenville Economic Taskforce). "I have nothing invested in this project," said Krulick. "I am doing this as a concerned citizen. I gain nothing if this project happens or not," he continued to say. Krulick briefed the group on the action he himself has already taken concerning Wal-Mart. He has done extensive research on the subject and has compiled the information and resources on the WERD website, which he also designed. Locally, he has publicly approached the Town of Wawarsing board and requested that a moratorium be passed which would, "buy time to review the zoning, comprehensive plan, and receive community input," on the prospective project before Wal-Mart can approach the board and move forward. He additionally has suggested that the Town consider putting a size cap or ban on buildings exceeding a certain square footage, similar to the action the Village of New Paltz took when faced with the threat of Wal-Mart in their community.

Concerns that were expressed and discussed by attendees of the meeting was the threat that a Wal-Mart Super Center posed not only to local businesses but the overall revitalization occurring in the Village, and the possibility of jeopardizing the "small town charm" in Ellenville, Wawarsing, and Napanoch. "Why will customers come to me when they can save a few dollars and shop for everything they need under one roof?" inquired Joan, owner of Image Fashion. "How can a small business like Mathew's Pharmacy compete with a Super Center which sells prescriptions for $4 a bottle?" asked Diane Krulick.

Other concerns that were raised were Wal-Mart's poor labor practices both at home and abroad. "Wal-Mart has the largest class action suit against it in all of history," said Jen Fuentes, labor union organizer. Additional concerns raised were Wal-Mart's poor environmental record, their lack of connection with communities, the noise and traffic issues on the already busy Route 209, and the overlooked long-term vision for this area. "This [Wal-Mart] is not our answer. This not the direction to go," said Marcus Guiliano, owner of the Aroma Thyme Bistro and supporter of small businesses.

"When businesses are affected, there is a trickle down effect. Employers may have to lay off employees, and there is less disposable income in the Village as fewer people come in to town," said Krulick.

Alexander Lines, a community activist from the town of Rochester, asked the group, "What else can be put into this space if not a Wal-Mart?" Krulick, who has been doing research on such alternatives to Wal-Mart, has spoken with the Peters family, who would consider the possibility of relocating to the old Grand Union store and expanding their business while an Ames-type of store could be re-opened in the former plaza, "creating an anchor" for the smaller stores already existing in the mall.

Although it is still unknown if Mr. Tso has signed the contract with Wal-Mart, having been advised not to speak further with anyone in community, the group plans to continue organizing. Informational events will be scheduled, fact sheets distributed, and a "Buy Local" campaign launched. A second meeting will be scheduled in the coming weeks. To get involved, educate yourself or join in on the discussion, refer to the group's website at W-E-R-D.org, or contact Steve Krulick at 647-8809.

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