So what if they have employees on badgercare, You scum who put Obama in are putting us on his care plan. Build it! Build It! Work is good, work s good....Being fat and lazy and liberal isn't.

Too many embarrassing citizens representing everyone. I love Bryce's comments about not wanting Walmart and then asking if a union would be involved in the construction. So would Bryce have imploded if they were as he struggled with his internal emotions of Walmart hate and union love? That is one name I will store away in memory to ensure he never gets my vote. Ace hardware SUCKS and is overpriced... if they go... it is not going to hurt anything. Danny's meats is unique... you go there because of the quality. Therefore, it does not matter whether Piggly Wiggly, Pick N Save, or Walmart are nearby... people will still be going to Danny's. They are the example of what a small business should be. Offer higher quality at fair prices and you will do fine. But it has to be that blend. I am not going to pay significantly higher prices for the same stuff just to help a small business. As for Nelson's... in nearly 10 years living here, I have never even set foot in the store. I do not know how stores of that purpose make it no matter where they are located.

I do hope that Walmart somehow got the message that not everyone thinks the way the most vocal people do. Few are going to stand up and be highly vocal FOR Walmart... and if they do, most people assume they are planted there for that purpose.

Maybe you all should be aware of Bernahke dumping dollars into the market which will eventually lead to high inflation and your prices of goods skyrocketing. Then you will cry for cheap stuff!

Sounds like those "less desirables" that the very same Caledonia citizens were complaining about, that Walmart would bring into the community, showed up at this meeting disguised as concerned citizens. What an embarrassment to those of us that went to get informed.

I suspect that there were people in attendance who were pro-Walmart but were afraid to speak for fear of getting shived by a popscicle stick.

Thought you guys might want to take a look at what happened at the meeting last year.
http://caledonia.patch.com/articles/viewfinder-wal-mart-project-gets-chilly-reception-from-residents#video-5439082

@Tawol I suspect you are right. I know a number of people asked about the rezoning process. Here's a link to learn more about that:
http://caledonia.patch.com/articles/how-properties-in-caledonia-are-rezoned

Wow! I am sorry that I missed this meeting. I recall the last time Walmart came to town & the harsh criticism that the people who were opposing it then received. Many commenting on the Patch said then that it was all NIMBYs & horsey people, with claims that they are the vocal minority of the community. From what I know of the new proposed site, the NIMBYs must have moved and gotten rid of their horses then...Oh, it's either that OR the real truth is that those against Walmart in Caledonia really aren't the vocal minority, but rather the vocal majority. It is funny how people's voices are heard once the development crew is knocking on their door.....human nature to protect what is yours and no one should be faulted for that. I moved to Caledonia for the community (we first moved here into a subdivision east of 32, then moved to our "country home" west of 32 where we are currently live). For the record, neither of the proposed sites have been near my backyard. I have been to many of these meetings since Walmart first starting looking here, but many would not know that because I say little with the exception of a Patch comment here and there, and talking to my friends and neighbors. Yes, change may be inevitable, but it needs to be planned responsibly with the entire community in mind.

Would the same people behave a different reaction if the original location back on State Hwy 31 (Green Bay Road) & Four Mile were the proposed location?

THE ONLY PERSONS HEARD WERE THE LOUD MOUTHS! Having a civilized informational meeting with some of the loonies (Bryce) and his followers is impossible. If Walmart wants to build here they will. So long as they meet all the requirements set by the Planning Commission, their building permit cannot be denied. If someone wants to take them to court, Walmart will win.
As for building with union labor, the only ones that care are the dems and the unions. What they fail to see is there are only 13% union members while the other 87% are non-union. So statistically, it should be built with non-union labor.
So what if most of Badgercare is Walmart employees. That has no bearing whatsoever on anything! What if most of the Badgercare clients were City of Racine employees? What would it matter?
Honestly it would be nice to have an alternative on the northside besides KMart.
Build it!

I like how people who didn't like the 31 and 4 mile option said it should be located off of 32. So Walmart moves there plans closer to 32 and now thats no good either. Hey how long before "Fact Police" formerly San is here to beat us over the head with his one and holy grail of a study that proves beyond any shadow of any doubt all Big Box stores and Fast Food joints cost communities more then they pay? Yah the fact that Bryce was one of the ring leaders at this fiasco is all the proof I need that these people are in fact the vocal minority. Just a embarrassment to the Village.

I have heard a number of people express the viewpoint that Walmart should move into the property currently occupied by the struggling K-Mart store. On a number of levels this idea makes sense to me. Could someone explain why that is not being looked at, or why it is a bad idea/would not work? If Walmart really wants to come into our community it seems to me they should be looking at existing properties, and in this case I do believe if Walmart opens pretty much anywhere in Caledonia, K-Mart would close. I don't understand why there isn't some way to make this work. -A Concerned Neighbor

..and if that 'show' was any indication of who might attend the Board meeting on the 23rd, there needs to be a STRONG police presence this time.

JW x 2. Count me as another supporter of the Wal-Mart in my Caledonia. Kortendick will still get my hardware business. Wal-Mart can't compete with their service. Likewise, Danny's and Milaegers will be will be fine in their niches. KMart needs to compete with Wal-Mart. That competition serves all of us citizens. If KMart can't compete, maybe Target would like to come in and do so.

"I moved away from Racine to get away from a certain element,” said Brian Kohlmann, 6409 Nicholson Road.

This is a sad comment and display of someone who wants to distance themselves and convey contempt for expressions of poverty, difference of race or ethnicity, to reinforce their own superior position in the social hierarchy! While that may come across as justified to the ones who believe the same, really, it’s just a sad show of their own ignorance and prejudice. And that is worse than any sight one may find in WalMart.

when a foreign element invades our bodies, our immune system responds to try to prevent it from killing us. similarly, putting a walmart into a quiet, peaceful, residential bedroom community is eliciting the same type of response. there are enough walmarts around in the vicinity for anyone who is interested in shopping there. our community needs to focus on the values and quality of life that we know to be its greatest benefit for raising families and providing a positive home environment. in addition, why would we want to pay MORE taxes to get a walmart here? studies show that big box development costs more than it brings in in taxes.

I am a former Caledonian, I now live in Beloit, where there is a Wal-Mart. We no longer have Cubs Food store or K-mart. We are getting a Piggly Wiggly in the spring. I worked at Wal-Mart for a little bit, and it is not what you think, their concept sucks. They will get product for their store at the price they want to pay, or they will not have it. It doesn't affect the Ace Hardwares, we have 2 here, they ran the True Hardware out. We still have one major meat market, or 6 in very close areas. We neighbor with Janesville where the possibilities are endless in shopping. Wal Mart does give jobs but does not respect unions. When I worked there the cashiers hours were the worst, Wal Mart believes you only need 8 hrs between shifts, to be back on schedule, typical cashier time is like: Mon-off, Tues 7-4, Wed 2-11, Thurs. 7-4, Fri-off, Sat 2-11, Sun 2-11, third shift is for stockers and a few cashiers, a lead in a few of the departments and store manager in training. Their insurance sucks big time, and the life insurance goes to them. You can put down family members, but read the fine print, it goes to them. The Beloit College has a documentary on the Wal Mart way - call them (608-363-2000) they will show it to you.

Just wondering... with all this talk about Walmart maybe moving instead to the K Mart location, has there been any indication that K Mart is leaving? Or does the "vocal minority" have plans on having them evicted? I guess I must have missed something regarding K Mart closing their doors, when did this happen?

Why does everyone here keep recommending the K-mart site. K-mart is a currently operating business that IS NOT FOR SALE! geez. Perhaps if I desire to build a new house in Caledonia, I should be able to FORCE you to move out of your house even though you have no desire to move. I say we forget Walmart and build an industrial plant on the property, thats what it is zoned for. Then watch the people cry. The land use plan identifies this property as retail development, if you are against the development, perhaps you should have participated in the development of the land use plan or done your due diligence prior to purchasing near the site. The previous site was nixed due to the land use plan, it seems as if people can't make up their minds. As for the demand on protective services and attracting the criminal element to the area, perhaps you should investigate how often and why police respond to the apartments on Kennedy and Packer Drive.

Yes, I realize the K-Mart store is a fraction of the size of a typical Walmart store. I've read somewhere about Walmart opening stores other than their typical stores for instance, small scale stores in urban areas, or in market areas that could not support a super store. I just thought it would be refreshing to see something positive happen at the K-Mart location....it works as a location, we just need a better retailer in there who will keep the store up and running. A mini-Target or mini-Walmart would be great. I would hate to see K-mart close and the building sit empty, but it is hardly worth the trip to go to the K-Mart store. Sad.

34 Minute before the San it will raise taxes rant nice. Good comment progress. CPD seems to camp out just past the road closed sign by the Mosquito Inn quite a bit at night.

It seems that some have the impression that Caledonia is a land of strawberries and sunshine, rainbows and soft bunnies. Peace, love and harmony. I've got news for you folks, we share a border with one of the biggest crapholes in the state. the crime, gangs, drugs etc. are already here, you just refuse to see it. I'll admit it ain't Compton, but it isn't utopia either. While I agree we don't want or need to add problems and more crime to our community, I believe the impact a Wal-mart would add is greatly exaggerated and overblown.

Why you folks think you represent the majority is beyond me. If you don't have the courage to either express your opinions in public or identify yourselves here, I don't have much sympathy for your dissatisfaction--what makes you think you're more than a minority of about ten complainers who hide behind anonymity?

i believe some of the people who support walmart coming here sincerely believe it is a benefit. There are others who likely have a vested interest in promoting willy-nilly development and they hope that this will open the door for turning our community into a strip mall. From what i have seen, looking at the way the land use plan was developed, the village board election results from last year and other things, i believe our community is probably somewhat more interested in preserving the quiet, rural-suburban quality of life with moderate development, and there is a small minority interested in bringing in commercial interests even if it winds up raising our taxes and destroying the values that most residents have.

As part of their land use plan, Caledonia did a household survey in 2002, about 9,000 households. Read it: 1.3 of the Land Use plan, Village Wide Public Participation. An opportunity to hear from ALL VOICES in Caledonia-not just the people at North Park last night. Look under Commercial/Retail:: "Highest ranked concerns included traffic congestion and safety controls, parking, landscaping buffers to control noicse, BUFFERING FROM RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (I guess they were all NIMBYS, hey?) and potential tax impact. Then read the 2011 Ehlers study paid for and done for Caledonia. Read their conclusions on Big Box development: "Big Box development will typically have a greater draw on policing and emergency responses. Commercial development, other than food services, do not have a great impact on other Village services" Then look at the plan for the "Village Center", which includes this lot, on the Village wesbite (pictures included). Then read the land use plan. And please, then tell me, does this proposal make sense??

Can you believe that the greenies actually took a vote at the end with a show of hands, approx 200 people mind you, all yelling 'no'! How many people live in the village?? YEP-that vote makes it official.

The proposed WM site at 4 Mile and NGB is better than their original proposal because it does not abut a conservation area and parking lot runoff drains away from the Root River. Nevertheless, it abuts residential areas, and neither road is built to take the volume of weight of construction trucks and equipment or customer traffic. IF WM wants to be in Caledonia, it needs to be away from residences and on roads built to acceptable standards, like hwy 32.

I would bet enough willing sellers could be found on Douglas Avenue.

I think any new business or store is totally appropriate for the north side. My family has lived on the north side for about 10 years. We love the area however, we find it lacks in convince of shopping. For most of our needs I find us driving to the south side or even to South Milwaukee. The only main stores available to us on the north side are PickNSave or Kmart (and let us be honest, north side Kmart is less than appealing). Why is it south Racine has been built up so nicely with so many shopping options but the north side is so lacking and behind. I would also like to mention that the small ma&pop stores on the south and west side are still alive and kicking. I really don't think and must agree with others that stores like Nelsons and Kortendicks would hurt that much. The "regulars" will still return to their store.
A big thing Racine is lacking is a sense of community. Why do so many blame others, IE: our current president, people on medicaid or big business, for the communities (or lack of community) problems. I am starting to think most people in this area really don't want change for the better or change at all.
I can't lie, "WallyWord" (what I like to call Walmart) is my least favorite store for many reasons. BUT, at least I would have more shopping options and not travel to another city such as Milwaukee.
Lastly, how about a Co-op grocery in the area! HELLO WildRoot Market. Nothing helps a community like a Co-op. (;

Well I would've stood up for Walmart but I was working. What's funny is that a lot of you think Walmart will ruin your town...but based on your reactions I think YOU are the ones ruining the town.

Amen Mindy Amen.

Yes JQ-how many police calls for that are per year?

*area per year?

I say Go for it!!!

For those of you who do not hear Police Cars Roaring through the quiet Caledonia nights, I say "GET A HEARING AID"... It's constant and nightly...

More importantly, When the Siena Center announced their partnership for the LARGE development on Erie St. There was not one peep from the NIMBY's about the impact on traffic on Erie and 4 Mile Rd, the tremendous demand placed on emergency services, runoff from impervious surfaces into Lake MIchigan and the tributaries to both the North and South, and the fact that the entire complex is TAX EXEMPT. ( I do believe it is an asset to the community, however, and I am not against it. Just showing the hypocrisy of some people!)

One last thing.. If my taxes have to go up because they don't build a walmart then I say build three Walmarts, a Kmart and Jiffylube to prevent it. HWY38 in Oak Creej is one of the fastest growing areas around southeastern wisconsin and with the I94 expansision off Drexel, it's going to get bigger... OH and there are houses all throughout the area, with no complaining... There's also an Ace Hardware and other local stores in the area. Get off your high horses. What are you going to complain about next??? The 4mile road construction, the weather, what???

Gee fact, I dont recall ribbons wrapped around every tree in the neighborhood, Hand painted signs, boorish and obnoxious protesters intimidating supporters and shouting down the developers. I stand by my previous stance- not one peep!

Yes Screw-and don't forget about the owls and chipmunks in the Sienna woods!

See, last night at the meeting all the undesirables associated with Walmart the we want to keep out came to Caledonia. Mouthy, rude, classless and just plain ignorant. Oops, that was just the town folk!!!!!

Add me to the list of people embarrassed by some of the people at the meeting. Reminded me of the bullies in school.

What would happen if Walmart's real proposal is going to be a small neighborhood market located on the portion of property already zoned for it? Grocery stores are OK? Or is anything having to do with Walmart opposed!

I live on 4 Mile between Douglas and 31. I have to strategically plan to leave my driveway morning and night. It is like trying to pull on to Indianopolis 500 at race time, Personally don't want all the traffic, sirens etc. If the road is widened, I will not have a front yard and I am sure all of this will have an adverse impact on the environment and the property values. I was glad people were speaking from their heart on such an important issue. Tansandy you just insulted all the town folk but you think that is OK. Who is the rude now?

I hope the Village board is reading this.

All those opposed to a Walmart Neighborhood Market located on the eastern portion of the property on 4 Mile and North Green Bay Road please blog now.......

Having not yet made a decision in favor or against the proposed development, I went to the meeting to hear an orderly discussion regarding the proposed plans from Walmart and the questions and concerns from the community. Unfortunately, it was anything but orderly. I looked around for the police more than once. I truly wanted to hear views from both sides, but, that was not possible because of the disorder and hostile atmosphere. There appears to be valid concerns on both sides. A Walmart would probably affect stores like K Mart because of the their lack of variety and higher prices (compared to Walmart), but I think that those that frequent Ace Hardware, Nelsons, and Danny's will continue to go there because of the service, convenience and unique items they provide. I know I will. I will also continue to shop Piggly Wiggly (good prices/service.) Milaegers could use some competition as many of their items are overpriced, however, people will still shop there because of the specialty and quality of many of the items they offer. I do feel for those that live in the direct vicinity to the proposed location as well as those on Greenbay Rd and Four Mile. They obviously have some valid concerns. If this Walmart is built, I would suggest that Walmart be required to set aside part of their land for future widening of the road so that those homes bordering the proposed Walmart would not only have to face Walmart, but also have to give up a good portion of their front yards.

I've often wondered why big chain stores want to build so close to other stores that offer the same type of goods. Why not capture the market in areas where there is no competition? Can anyone tell me why there are no large grocery stores on the east side of Racine near downtown? It's surely populated enough to bring in a reasonable amount of business but yet there are no large grocery stores within walking distance or even a close proximity of the downtown area. Wouldn't WalMart be wise to check out that side of town? I'm sure there's an area they could find to fit their store.

I can guarantee if this was going to go directly in front of your homes you would not be happy about it. We live directly across from the field. We own our townhouse and have worked hard to make it nice. I heard that Pick 'N Save is closing across from Horlick HS. Why can't they put it there? There are many empty buildings on Douglas put it down there. :(

You can't always get what you want Mll. Woodmans, Sonic, The banks, Buffallo wild wings, the Game stop etc etc etc.. Petsmarts, TJmax, etc etc are all across from somones house in Oak Creek. If you don't like, Move.

The most useful information would be the extent of limitations that legally can be imposed by the Board on any purchaser of that site, under current zoning and land use. I'm sure that the Walmart dog and pony show folks who keep appearing(oh no-are they part of the horsey crowd too? haha) have researched the answer.

This whole brouhaha also reminds me why I don't give out my zip code at stores anymore--they ask, I say"I don't give it out", and that's an end of it. Walmart assumes that because I shop outside my zip, I would patronize them if they're here--wrong assumption--I'm happy with Kohls, Pick'n'Save, Kortendick's, Milaegers and Farm and Fleet.

when the community was polled on what it valued and desired in relation to the development of the land use plan, a strong majority stated that maintaining the rural, peaceful and quiet values of our bedroom community was their top priority. Therefore, if a small minority is upset about not having noisy, congested, 24 hour shopping (and the higher taxes that go along with it), they certainly have the right and the opportunity to move, rather than the other way around as some are suggesting.

Fact,

What you are forgetting is that the property is zoned industrial and a grocery/retail store on that property is part of the land use plan you try to flaunt all of the time. Perhaps a factory would be more desirable? The former Young Radiator is right next door,along with the railroad tracks. If peace and quiet is your desire, I would suggest that by moving onto the main arterial between the busiet State highways in the area WAS and Is a bad idea. By the same token if a strong majority desire the store, then perhaps the small minority are SOL.

Walmart is particularly bad when it comes to offering wages and benefits, and their stuff is not usually even the cheapest. Their clothing is, and it sucks.
That location proposal blows my mind. As if those roads can handle the traffic. The taxpayers will flip the bill for all these infrastructure upgrades, while Walmart enjoys a tax holiday. When that is up they may move again, and leave us another vacancy (like the old Sam's Club).
I just can not understand wanting another Walmart in Racine. It surprises me that so many bloggers are in favor of it. They (Walmart) really throw their weight around in the community for little pay off. They shut down other retailers that are better neighbors. Walmart is basically garbage.

People of Caledonia be careful what you say.If Caledonia doesn't like what you say, they will put a hill in front of your house and then riddle you with loud harassing exhaust along with tons of engine braking. Then they will tell you it is perfectly legal. Good luck folks, I'm not getting involved. Now I have to find my EARPLUGS, which by the way do not help. SOOOO much illegal exhaust out here still after 5 years now. Police for hire.

Only 2 people opposed to a Walmart Neighborhood Market???

Another question.......

If "BigBox" stores are a strain on the rural village, I assume you would like the KMart closed? It must have a lot of police/emergency calls. The traffic must be wearing down the roads.

Fact police.
How do you know what the ultimate proposal will be. The Walmart officials stated they will look at the public input and then submit there plan to the village board.

But it is a big box store. According to the report that is so often mentioned, all big box stores cost more than they take in.

Fact police.
So they can't change their plan?
Don't you like to be proactive and voice your concern over a smaller, not 24 hour, no traffic entering from North Green Bay Road, grocery store?

Fact Police.
I wonder how good the Walmart legal team is at arguing.

The True Problem here is "The Fact Police"... You sit at your computer, research nonsense and then reply. You have an answer for everything, and your probably the same person who shops on Amazon, Ebay, etc. Your comments are senseless and argumentative with no meaning. Your opinon is the opinon of 1, and that's all it will ever be. SEE YOU AT WALMART!

And FYI... 18 minutes away in both directions is not extremly close to Caledonia. What would you be happy with at that location? Movie Theater? Gas Station? Sears? Kmart? Dog boarding?? Ya thats it.. Dog Boarding.. I am calling K9 Castle right now and then going to have the area evaluated for a pole building...

One other question fact police.....
"Would you consider yourself subjectively firm or objectively flexible?"

"Nothing.........is what it seems."