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49 °F 5 Day Forecast Saturday, November 29, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 12, 2003 Wal-Mart sent out 24,000 of these mailers to Medford residents over the weekend, soliciting support for a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter at Miles Field. Wal-Mart goes on the offensive By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Nearly 24,000 mailers hit Medford residents’ mailboxes over the weekend, encouraging proponents of the world’s largest retailer to speak out. "Hello Medford. Wal-Mart is planning a new Supercenter at Miles Field to better serve you," it reads. Wal-Mart spokeswoman Amy Hill said the move to rally local support has been successful nationwide, including in another Rogue Valley community. "In Central Point we mailed about 9,000 (in August) and we received back almost 2,000 in support," she said. "We were very pleased to see that level of support." Advertisement Hill said Central Point had an organized group of opponents, and she is not as concerned about resistance in Medford because the group of opponents seems quieter and less organized. But Shareen Fiol, an organizer of the group opposed to the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter at Miles Field in Medford, said her group will continue to oppose the construction of the 207,000-square-foot store. They have concerns with low-wage jobs and a high job turnover rate, the potential impact on local businesses and the traffic congestion that will be generated. Fiol said she wasn’t surprised to receive a flier. "Many of us sort of expected it because they did the same thing in Central Point," she said. Fiol said the Medford group opposed to Wal-Mart is planning to mail a letter this week to county commissioners, Medford council members and the Medford Urban Renewal Agency, urging the groups not to allow construction of the big-box store. But Medford Councilman Bob Strosser said the council has no say in the direction of this issue. "We’re not even in the driver’s seat on this," he said. He said even though the property is within the city limits, the land owner is Jackson County, and it’s the county’s prerogative to sell it. Strosser added that since it’s properly zoned, Wal-Mart can build there. He said he’d like the council to evaluate its overall direction on the topic of big-box stores. "Let’s not single somebody out. Let’s really deal with the issue," he said. The flier asks residents to support Wal-Mart, write a letter to the editor, attend public hearings and speak in favor of the new Wal-Mart, contact city officials and to be on any mailing list of supporters. The flier reads: "The City of Medford will be reviewing plans and making a decision on the new store. A small but vocal group opposes this project, but we know they don’t speak for everyone. The city also needs to hear from the many people in our community who support Wal-Mart." Medford’s Associate Planner Scott Rogers said the planning department has been working with Wal-Mart, which has submitted revisions to its original application with recommended traffic modifications. Wal-Mart is conducting a traffic study which he expects to receive soon, he said. The Site Plan and Architectural Commission meeting is the only planned public hearing on the issue. "That hearing could be held as early as Dec. 19," Rogers said. "That has yet to be determined." Fiol said she’s trying to gather community support for that public hearing. "(We want) to get as many people out to speak at that (meeting) as we can," she said. Reach reporter Meg Landersat 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times