[StBernard] Wall Mart Aquires Huge Tract of Land in Eastern NO

[Westley Annis]

"With population comes traffic, even more crime (depending upon where you
get
the population from (New Orleans/N.O. East, out of town or people who feel
it's safer to come back into the community). --JY."

Jerry Reponds:

Absolutely. However, it's not always the decision of the citizens of any
community whether a Wal-Mart or any big-box store locates in any community.
Like real-estate, it's "location, location, location".

Location whether a community would like it (and believe me, tons of people
in that area of da Parish showed up to condemn a Super Wal-Mart being built,
yet the Parish Council voted to bring it in, knowing the contribution to
taxes it could rake in.

When there is a resemblance of "healthy environment" such as parks,
churches, (yes, hospitals and health-care units), organizations, etc.), it
shows a vibrancy and comradely of a community. The fact that some
communities are recovering slower or faster has to do also with safety,
insurance and other costs, --those vitals that make a determination or
life-decision.

There's no one perfect answer. If one wants less traffic, then population
would have to remain low (OR..what the community has which  attracts outside
shoppers, etc. ie. malls, amusement attractions, etc.).

And yes, bring in more, and "others" will want to share the great
attractions with you!

In the pre-Katrina era, we watched the 9th ward and N.O. East steal their
communities blind to the point that any nice businesses there (ie. the once
pleasurable, attractive PLAZA shopping center) or the businesses in their
community--notice many of the homes had bars on windows and doors, etc. What
happens once they are gone is the migration to other communities for goods
and needed services.

One thing we know--like the old adage: "If you build it, they will come!".

--jer--