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Letters to the Editor
I recently read two newspaper articles that concerned development encompassing commercial and religious enterprises within close proximity. The one was looked upon favorably, the other with disdain.
Recently, the Buffalo News featured an article that focused on the building of a large nondenominational church [The Chapel] in the middle of a 400,000 square-foot business and retail center in Amherst’s CrossPoint Business Park. The arrangement, new to the Buffalo area, will blend business during the week and evangelical services on weekends.
In the city of Buffalo, the Elim Christian Fellowship is building a worship center across the street from Central Park Plaza. The growing congregation hopes that the project will help rejuvenate the ailing retail hub.
Although some question the wisdom of the arrangement, Pastors of Elim and The Chapel “insist that their projects are worthwhile and will fuel future growth and ministry.
The developer hopes the arrangement is a success as having more people in the area increases the possibility of filling empty space and demanding higher rents. It appears all parties are satisfied and hopeful for continued successes.
The second article concerns a Wal-Mart project proposed in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Old Sam Walton used to say that his company would not go where it is not welcomed. Since the death of Sam, Wal-Mart has taken on a new philosophy and policy, namely, “we will go where no one dared go before us, regardless of consequence to the community and/or it’s residents.” They still proclaim themselves to be the “good neighbor”, but their actions speak otherwise.
Wal-Mart refuses to be denied and seems over time to “win over” municipal government agencies that reach office and favor their predator business policies that adversely impact the socio-economic status of a community.
Wal-Mart, good neighbor – NOT! Good luck to the people of Guelph in their endeavor.
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NEWS RELEASE - Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph
WAL-MART THREATENS SACRED CANADIAN LANDMARKS
9-year siege by the world's biggest retailer culminates in a David and Goliath battle
GUELPH, On., Canada, July 16, 2004--The world's biggest retailer is poised to build a 135,000 sq. ft. Wal-Mart mega store between a renowned Jesuit retreat centre and three historic cemeteries. The final battle in Wal-Mart's nine-year legal siege will be waged on August 3, 2004 at Guelph's City Hall.
Wal-Mart's refusal to locate elsewhere in the city and the residents' dedication to the sacred landmarks is headed to a classic David and Goliath showdown.
The Wal-Mart development is opposed by the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph and the Residents for Sustainable Development in Guelph (RSD). Rev. James Profit, S.J., Director of the Jesuit Centre, is deeply concerned. "Obviously, the traffic and noise and hubbub of a big box power centre is physically incompatible with the peace and serenity people expect at Woodlawn, Marymount, and St. Ignatius cemeteries. And it goes without saying that Wal-Mart is incompatible with the quiet solitude that draws Retreatants seeking an encounter with God in prayer at the Jesuit Centre. If only Wal-Mart would open its heart to an alternate location consistent with the city's pattern of growth, the city could happily accommodate both."
In 1995, First Pro Shopping Centres proposed the development and requested that the land be rezoned--contrary to the City's Official Plan—which offered commercially zoned parcels in other parts of the city. The proposal was turned down by the Guelph City Council and other opposing parties. For nine years since, the developer has continued this expensive legal battle.
On May 25, 2004, with little discussion, Guelph City Council reversed its former position--against the opposition of a vast majority of delegates at the public hearing. Only the RSD and The Jesuit Centre are left standing against the Wal-Mart Goliath.
The Jesuit Centre, established in 1913, is located just north of the proposed Wal-Mart, on 600 acres of farmland, wetland, woodland, gardens, naturalized landscapes, and walking trails. The site houses internship programs, the Jesuit Ecology Project, a Community Shared Agriculture program, a certified-organic farm, agricultural research sites, an aboriginal sweat lodge complex, several hermitages, and Loyola House, a world-renown Ignatian retreat house. The Jesuits have been intimately involved in the life of the City of Guelph for over 152 years, and helped establish schools, convents, churches, an orphanage, and St. Joseph's, the first Hospital in Guelph.
Our Lady Immaculate mausoleum is located on the grounds of Marymount cemetery--by the north boundary of the proposed Wal-Mart. Nearby, on Jesuit Centre grounds, is the St. Ignatius Jesuit Cemetery, principal burial site for the Jesuit Order in Canada. Directly across the road from the development is Guelph's historic and peaceful 150-year-old Woodlawn Memorial Park cemetery.
Wal-Mart is presently charged with discriminated against women in the largest civil rights class action case in U.S. history (Reuters 06/22/04). The world's biggest retailer has been accused of compromising the life of small communities and has recently been flagged for endangering the entire State of Vermont, according to the US National Trust for Historic Preservation (Reuters 05/24/04).
But Wal-Mart's threat to the irreplaceable, sacred landmarks of The Jesuit Centre, St. Ignatius Jesuit Cemetery, Marymount Cemetery, and Woodlawn Memorial Park is a disturbing world first.
On August 3, 2004, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) will conduct the final hearing at Guelph City Hall, 59 Carden Street. The proceedings will run for approximately one week. Public delegations will be heard Thursday, August 5, 7:00 p.m., at the Italian Canadian Club of Guelph, 135 Ferguson Street.
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