The Lively Lowdown

Stellar post Mr. Lively.

Hi Jim,

Vary nicely said. I don't shop at Meijer, and will tell my friends who do to read this.

Thank you!

Great job Jim. There can be little doubt the M-72 Acme/Whitewater corridor is the biggest land use issue facing the region in 2007. If one big-box goes up it will start a domino effect and there will be no stopping it. Watch out for Wal-Mart and Home Depot just west of the casino.

Great post. You really should submit it as an editorial to a few newspapers. I think the only way to stop Meijer's bullying would be the threat of lost business.

Hi Jim,

After reading this I understand what you are somewhat going through. I am from Meridian Township, MI, right outside of Lansing, and the township is in court right now fighting Wal-mart from upgrading their store to a supercenter or whatever it's called. (Wal-mart won the court battle over building about 5 years ago.) At first I was opposed as well, but then I sat back and thought. We already had a Meijer, and a Kroger, and a local chain called L&L. Back in the 70's or so when Meijer came in, people were opposed to it, as they were afraid of it knocking out the local L&L. But people still go to L&L almost 40 years later. The growth that was spurred by Meijer exists... a mall, some restaurants, and a Kmart went up across the street... but Meridian Township is still a nice town, and although there has been some development, many parts are still, calm, quiet, residential, and not at all harmed by the new construction. The government here has raised taxes recently to purchase land simply to preserve it as open land in its current form. They now lease out a farm to a local farmer, and the land MUST be kept a farm. These are the steps that should be taken to preserve the areas you want preserved. You shouldn't fight someone's right to own and develop land just because you don't like the idea. I fully understand, and support you however, and best of luck, no matter what you chose to do!

You may be interested in knowing that Meijer has been fighting a remarkably similar battle in Northfield Township, MI (north Ann Arbor area). Meijer owns some property at North Territorial and US-23 and wants to build another store. There is already a Meijer in Brighton, and two in Ann Arbor. The population between Brighton and Ann Arbor in no way warrants yet another store. Unfortunately, the heavy-handed and unethical techniques of big business won again over the needs and desires of the residents and the plans to start building have been approved. At least they are consistent in their tactics. I think more people need to know about how they conduct themselves in the communities they claim to support.

What a narrow view you have towards personal property rights. Acme may have sat down and tried to design a small town atmosphere but the truth is there is no small town in Acme. No walk ability, no cultural activities, nothing but a short strip area with a McDonalds, gas, and desitination shopping strip mall with a dollar general store. Since when did elected township officials learn more about Meijer's customer's than what Meijer's knows? They (township) have their own personal adjenda's of "no growth" and are not leading from the the stand point of "The greater good". As for Meijer's continuing the court battle, they have to, in order to not let personal property rights get usurped to the point of nowhere. I will continue to shop there and look forward to shopping in the Acme Meijer.

Why is it that those in favor of these big box stores always fall back on "personal property rights"? If my property is zoned resdential, I can't just build a gas station on it. Would you like it if you neighbor sold his agricultural property and they built an asphalt plant on it? Municipalities have master plans and zoning in place for a reason. Where were you Jerry, and Meijer, 10 years ago when Acme developed their master plan? Just because you own property does not mean you can do with it as you please.

I have never heard any Acme board members wanted "no growth" as Mr. Keelan stated above. Let's not confuse about controlled growth versus rampant growth at the cost of all its residents - we should be concerned about every one's property rights not just some properties' rights. The township master plan and its zoning ordinance afford every resident equal treatment and represent the majority's view and vision. It is true that Acme does not have a "town center" right now but not having a vision for the future is just shortsighted. Killing the natural beauty of this area is like killing the goose that laid the golden egg. The shortsightedness is what we are never in shortage of.

Acme Township's master plan allows for a Meijer to be part of the "town center". It would be so much more pleasant if Meijer would do just that. The approval given to them by the current board allows for a store larger than a recently approved store in a nearby northern MI town. What's the problem, Meijer? Apparently Meijer is building a "green" store in Allen Park. Why not show a little pro-active community interest in Acme? Thanks, Jim, for your stand. I haven't walked in a Meijer store in 2 years.

The Acme Township Board approved a Meijer store with some reasonable conditions - the most important of which is that the site plan comply with the township master plan and not a plan for a large regional shopping center. Meijer could be woven into our community in an aesthetically pleasing way with the help of a New Urbanist planner. Other large retailers have become quite flexible in their designs, and I understand Meijer plans a store in Gaylord where they will comply with the town's Alpine theme. Wal-Mart is even considering a two-story design with their store on the first floor and condos on the second. How about a two-story Meijer with other commercial space on the second floor in a building that would architecturally fit into our future New Urbanist community? Increasing density like this would allow for more land to be kept as open space. It would be nice if Meijer would take their plans out of the courtrooms and into the studios of an internationally respected planner, RTKL, and show they are ready to think outside the big box!

This sounds like just another case of local people once established trying to impeade on others rights to do business. For me that certainly is not a good enough reason to boycott Meijers. See what happens with the store, if it is sucessful than I guess the consumer will be the final judge.

Jim, you have very good arguments for boycotting Meijer. It seems as though writing a letter to the editors of local papers and also informing Meijer of your boycott would strengthen said boycott. I don't know if this has been done. Could you let us know what is the best way to contact Meijer should we decide to boycott?
Thanks

Jim Lively for Governor!

Lived in Acme for over 32 years and my children all live close. We love Acme and hope it becomes a show piece if nature and community living.Somewhere to live,work and play.

It's nice to see the dialogue on this issue. I think Meijer does need to hear more from customers - or lost customers - about these concerns. The person to talk to is the guy who has been so belligerent in refusing to work with Acme Township.

That is Scott Nowakowski, Director of Real Estate.
nowakows@meijer.com
616-791-3872
2929 Walker Avenue, N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49544

There is a plan, a very fine cohesive and well thought out plan to bring Meijer, the proposed Village and all of Acme to one walkable, diverse and exciting town center... It has been developed, designed and masterd by one of Acme's very own; Andy Andres. His family's property sets at the "gateway" of this proposal. Out of sheer frustration with the local planning process, land-owner bickering and law suits flying every which way, he took on this task. As a professional industrial designer, Andy was not only well suited for this endeavor, but has a deep feel for the heartbeat of all concerned. He has lived the unfolding developments of this township process like no other., His voice has been one of reason and vision in a sea of head-in-the-sand players on all sides.

Actually he has developed two unique yet simular in scope master plans for the entire Meijer/Village/M72-Lautner Rd property scape. Both are an exciting mix of a true northern Michigan downtown, with the look of being there for decades but a fresh eye to the future. They include mixed use shopping/living and the convenience of a Meijer all in one. Mr. Andres has spent two years doing for free what Acme, the Village and Meijer would spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get done. As of this writing these dynamic plans stand ready for presentation, meets all the concerned parties needs and makes a showcase of not only Acme, but what true fine planning and development can be throughout Michigan. This is something all must see and inhale. You will be amazed and will come away saying what many who have already gotten a sneak peak have said... "We need to do this, this is the plan we have all envisioned..."
Time to make it happen.

Jerry Keelan, move down state.... Then you can enjoy your bigbox shopping whenever you want. I would much rather head east on 72 and look at rolling farmland rather than a big ugly ass Meijer. But I guess I take the time to look. As does many of the other Acme residents.

Whatever happened to Acme being (and staying) a "Bedroom Community"? Remember that term everyone? Where we live here and commute to over there. Why should we sacrifice beauty for convenience. We need to support our local merchants. The ones who have been here for countless years.
From downstate, there are two entrances into T.C. Acme being one of them. Why not make an impression that lasts. People work very hard 50 weeks out of the year to come here and vacation for two. Why do we need to bring dowstate development here. Its almost like the people visiting are bringing the developments with them... Yet they want to escape that by coming here. So really all I have left to say about the topic is for the people that want the Meijer to get off your butts and drive across town because we have a Meijer... and we really only need one. Lets stop putting money into their pockets...

Just so you all know. I moved up here in 1974 from down state. I drive by the proposed Meijer site every day and I love it up here as much as anyone.

Just hate to see leaders not leading for the Greater Good of all of us.

I am curious and excited about what plans may be at ahnd in Mr. Mervau's well written piece. It does sound like aplan is before us and we need to look at it. If the amount of time that has been put in is any indiaction, and all free so far from mr. Andres, what are we all waiting for? Lets reveal it and get on with some planning. When will it be available?

Have to agree with the above statement. I Have seen Mr. Andres work, and Mr. Mervau's gathering of plausible ideas. Andre's designs are impeccable for creativity and vision. Get the goss's and meijer to sit in the room to look and listen now. Please release to the rest of Acme what we could possibly have. It will be a cloud opening, sunshine experience. R. Mervau is quite right, why pay for something from those outside of the area when we have such fine talent here. And they are engaged with process as stated. I agree, lets make it happen.

When is the unvieling of the "new" plan for Acme as noted above? I and many others are anxious to see this. It seems like the only ones working on anything is this Andres designer. R. Mervau above made some very good points about Mr. Andres time involved and knowing all sides of the situation. Sounds like a talented brain trust finaly has something. I too want to see it. Have heard about it. Since the village people (Goss's and their gang) are out to lunch on the whole concept of a "village"; yet Meijer may be willing at this point to do something good but I fear time is closing fast. Lets see the Andres plan.

Sweet.

Now is the time. Wonderful piece by R. Mervau. It is time for this fine idea to come to all. Mr. Andres has a solid achievable vision, and Mr. M has helped bring Mr. Andres idea forward. Lets go forward. Time for Acme.

Hi Jim,

Loved your blog--wondering if you could help me out. I live in Grand Blanc Twp, MI and Meijer wants to build a store on a light industrial piece of land near our rurally zoned neighborhood. Needless to say, we're not happy about it. The board is considering going against their Master Plan to let Meijer build and we are trying to convince them the error of this decision. We've pointed out what ignoring the Master Plan will do to the community as a whole, but we're answered with cries of "We need more grocery stores" or "Meijer will provide jobs", "Meijer is a good company...". Meijer has agreed to most of the conditions the township has requested, but the bottom line is they're still not playing by rules (the Master Plan). Would you consider writing a letter to the editor of our local papers talking about your experience with the Meijer?

Thanks,

Ellie Shansky-Genovese

I am employed at Meijer. They do not treat their employees better than Wal-Mart. On some days we go 6 hours before we get a break. Our hours have been cut so that if there is a rush of customers, the team leaders are required to run a register due to the fact that there are not enough cashiers. Thus leaving the departments unattended and customers, rightfully so, angy. I cannot tell you how many people leave and leave shopping carts fill with their goods. They refused to stand in line for 45 minutes and I don't blame them. Likewise, the service desk, never without a line a mile long. I heard that if a store director is able to keep his store running and make sales regardless of how few employees are scheduled and how inconvenient it is to stand in line forever and not get any help in the departments, he gets a big bonus. To me my main concern and determination is the accomodation and good service to the customer. After all, they pay our salary. It is not just at the store I work, but in each state there is a Meijer. Meijer has become it's own worse enemy. They have no one but themselves to blame. Bring back the employees, the hours and then watch the sales instead of the shopping carts filled with food defrosting, meat spoiling, etc.