Sound Off: Walmart, TIF Stories Draw Comments in Shrewsbury

Days after the St. Louis County TIF Commision voted against $15 million in tax breaks for a new Walmart in Kenrick Plaza, Patch readers are still talking in the comments about Walmart, taxes, and the identity of Shrewsbury.

We've gathered a few of the most salient comments so you can see for yourself. Read what your neighbors have to say and join the conversation by adding your own comments below!

From Kurt Odenwald, on Should Walmart Come to Shrewsbury?:

I do not like TIFs, but the alternative is frightening. Without a TIF, there is no redevelopment given the current state of the law in Missouri. Cities like Shrewsbury could say, we do not like these rules, take our ball and go home, and not play in the game. That may make us feel good for a while. But that good feeling soon will give way to financial constraints facing cities lying with in the inner suburban corridor. 

From Larry Stone, president of the Affton Community Improvement Association, on No TIF for Walmart: Resident Tired of Subsidizing Corporate Giants:

If the Affton School District has to take a hit from the state during any of the many years they willl be affected by the TIF, the Distict will have no choice but to come back to we the property taxpayers of Affton! Eilleen Dorsey has done an outstanding job of articulating many valid points about why a mega-bucks company like Wal Mart should build this store using public funding. There are other Wal Marts in St. Louis that were build without such taxpayer aid! Wake up Affton before it's to late!

From Joseph G. Frank, on County Commission Votes Against TIF for Shrewsbury Walmart:

This is a complex, emotionally charged issue. Many people do not like Wal-Mart, whether based on labor practices real or perceived, or based on impacts to local small businesses. One issue that concerns me is stormwater runoff -- granted, Kenrick Plaza is pretty much already paved over property, but a large, single user might generate a bit more into Mackenzie Creek and River des Peres. As far as services -- I believe that in the future, inner-ring St. Louis County municipalities will need to team up and selectively combine services in order to survive. 

From Keith, on County Commission Votes Against TIF for Shrewsbury Walmart:

It's a shame that the naysayers feel that Shrewsbury is run by a bunch of "clowns". I feel that they're playing their cards right and that they haven't hastily acted upon this project. Lots of planning, patience, and thinking have gone into this. I have to laugh when I see all of these negative comments because I'd certainly like to see all the bright ideas that these people have for Kenrick Plaza's property if they don't want a Walmart there. Target? They never submitted a plan. Neither did Kohl's, K-Mart or any other major retailer! Walmart is the ONLY major player that wants to develop the property. Get over it, people! And residential development? It's not zoned for that! Plus, residential properties wouldn't bring in nearly the amount of revenue that retail will.

From Jody Hoffman, on County Commission Votes Against TIF for Shrewsbury Walmart:

 Growing up in Shrewsbury, we left the doors unlocked. Things have changed here. I believe Wal-Mart is the LAST thing Shrewsbury needs. People will settle... go with the flow... do whatever is convenient. One day, people will wake up and see no one has any values anymore. I won't step foot in a Wal-Mart, as my hair will catch fire. I can't stand their Anti-American ways. I hope Shrewsbury can hold on to their values throughout this process and remember who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for. Besides, if I REALLY wanted to go to Wal-Mart, I can drive 3 miles in one direction, and 5 in another.

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