Outraged Over Wal-Mart

Dear Editor,
    As a native of Austin and 45-year resident of the wonderful neighborhood community of Allandale, located within Central Austin, I was outraged to hear Wal-Mart was taking over our quaint, family-friendly neighborhood. I am not an avid Wal-Mart shopper and don't intend to become one! Wal-Mart and Lincoln Properties' "bully" tactics will backfire! The foundation of this community was built on family-owned-and-operated businesses. Over the years, national retail chains have come and gone. The ones that are successful cater to our community and the shoppers that support them. I watched Northcross Mall being built every day after school. I can remember when it was bustling with shoppers. Maybe it has just been poor property management! Maybe Lincoln Properties should have surveyed the community in the first place and asked us what we would support as residents of the community! They have made an enemy of themselves in our community. I would not spend a dime of my money at their current plan. Wal-Mart is not the only answer to the redevelopment of Northcross Mall. I am admittedly against Wal-Mart! I have grown up enjoying the ease of mobility, charm, and convienence of living in the Allandale community. I fully understand that "profit" is not a dirty word ... but the words "Wal-Mart" are! I would hope Lincoln Properties is smart enough to recognize their mistake and do better! It would seem they are driven by greed and not what is best for the surrounding community.
    Step up to the plate Lincoln Properties, show us you are not puppets of the puppet masters Wal-Mart!
    They can both crawl back under the rock they crawled out from under.