Despite the Town of Wawarsing’s dismissal of the suggested moratorium, which would have allowed time for the town to do impact studies and strengthen zoning laws to protect Wawarsing against the alleged adverse effects of “Big Box” developments at this time, WERD (Wawarsing Ellenville Responsible Development) is moving ahead with its campaign to educate the public about the impact a Wal-Mart store could have on local businesses, potential employees and the region while continuing to advocate for the moratorium.

“We’re certainly not giving up”, said Steve Krulick, the group’s facilitator. “The town board didn’t get it. The pro-Wal-Mart people from the meeting weren’t addressing the moratorium”, he continued. The group, which has doubled in size from its six original members, continues to gather support as they held another meeting on Thursday, January 25. Tom Gail, a former member of the 209 Scenic Byway committee, was in attendance at the meeting. Gail spoke of the negative effect a Wal-Mart store would have on the corridor’s appearance and a visitor’s overall experience. “We chose not to extend the corridor farther south because of the Kohl’s warehouse that appeared along 209 and the threat of the mushroom plant which would further spoil the view”, he said at Thursday night’s meeting. Ken Hasset, local union organizer for Ellenville’s ShopRite, also joined the group. He brings with him experience in the ongoing battle with Wal-Mart throughout the state. David Porter, the co-author of Megamall on the Hudson: Planning, Wal-Mart and Grassroots Resistance attended Thursday’s meeting. Porter was a key proponent in stopping the proposed Wal-Mart project in New Paltz and will be on hand to offer his expertise.

Ready to actively engage the community WERD has set dates throughout February to offer a free screening of the film, “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices” at the Ellenville Public Library’s community room. The film is a documentary that shows the impact Wal-Mart stores have on local economies, communities and individuals in towns throughout America. A question and answer session will follow. The film will be shown Wednesday Feb.7 and Friday Feb.23 from 7-9 pm with refreshments offered. An informational panel with representatives from labor, environmental and economic groups has also been scheduled and will be advertised for the first week in March.

WERD plans to continue putting pressure on the Wawarsing Town Board to adopt the moratorium by initiating a petition drive. The petition asks the town to, “fully study the possible impacts of any new, large-scale developments to our economy, community, and environment, so that appropriate protections for the Town can be added to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code”. As the group’s website states: “W-E-R-D has been established to address concerns over locating any “big box” retail stores within the Town of Wawarsing. Although there are clear needs for enhanced shopping opportunities within our community, we support locally-owned, appropriately-scaled retailers as being in the best overall interest of the long-term economic and social health of our Village and Town”. The group will continue with the intention of educating the community and focusing on alternatives to “big box” development in Wawarsing.

To learn more about the group or get involved log on to their website at: www.w-e-r-d.org.

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