I agree with what you have to say, but I just wish it was a different type of a grocery store. I'd love to see, for instance, a Mi Pueblo in that location, with fresh made corn tortillas, crema, latino produce, etc.

It seems like a WalMart store will just be more of the same: boxed, canned, overly processed food I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole.

I am probably part of the minority that actually cooks instead of re-heat, so all I can do is post my feelings.

Right you are, Foodshopper. The phony drummed up stalls and delays on the extension are a real crime and assult against all of Pleasanton. They hold little private meeting with only Stoneridge residents, even tho the entire city suffers.
Who could be against a neighborhood market ?? ............well, the unions of course !! Just like they create phony reasons for annual lawsuits against WalMart, usually thrown out or lost. But the unions keep trying to hassle and try to make stockholders suffer, etc etc. WalMart has never been a union store, which drives the unions crazy. The unions just won't accept why we are having touble competing in the world markets.
AND, the ROOT of Pleasanton Council's knee-jerk dislike of WalMart is their OWN future POLITICAL campaigns...they must demonstrate their union loyalty and....they depend on all union contributions, it's all about union $$$$. even your neighborhood market! Sad isn't it.

I am going to speculate why WalMart is singled out for exclusion from cities in general. WalMart has a track record of destroying local business. In many cities this has absolutely proven to be true. Local hardware stores, boutiques and other small business enterprises are wiped off the face of the map within a few short months upon the arrival of WalMart. There have been many, many city councils over the last few years and through-out the nation grappling with this problem, sometimes to no avail. I believe (a speculation mind you) our city council hears the shadowing footsteps of these concerns. In addition their low prices are based in large part on inexpensive China labor, when jobs are the number one concern during our economic crisis.

Now the question is: Is excluding WalMart not wise, myopic, biased or blind? I would answer YES, since there is a robust level of business competitors to more than offset the intrusion of a WalMart grocery store. But, if I were in another city I'm not sure if I could answer in the same manner.

Good try union defender, I've heard those MIS-statements used before....that is all garbage used on all big stores..IF they're NON-union. However, none of that applies in this case.
THIS DISCUSSION is about an all new business model...a neighborhood market ! ! ! peddle your union defense elsewhere. I do appreciate you were trying a more civil approach than the other hard-core union thugs that are usually attacking on this site,

We already have a WalMart in Pleasanton and the world didn't come to an end when they opened up. Local businesses still compete and survive. The poster above that cited that the union and politics are involved is right on...there is no other logical reason to deny this company from employing people locally and boosting or tax base.

Look, whether it's a small Walmart grocer or some other small independent or chain, let's get someone to fill that food store spot before it's filled with a chain that cheapens our side of town. I would love a farmers market type store or something of that nature.

My point is that it seems our town is not easy to do business with. Let's just try to make the townspeople happy instead of bickering about unions and big box stores. I just want a small grocery store that's easy to get in and out of.

The people that are against this Walmart are the same ones that want to regulate all the big banks like Morgan Stanley or Citigroup. Nice try. We see right through that. Enough red tape and rules about capital requirements or whatever. Say no to unions at Goldman Sachs.

I just think we have too many grocery stores in this area of town!

a Walmart in the old Nob Hill location will hurt housing values.

Been there: that post was a joke right...sarcasm, tongue in cheek, right?

Actually, Wal-Marts require enormous public subsidies to operate. Here are two examples:

Wal-Marts bring in high motor vehicle traffic, which means extra maintenance etc on roads, as well as streets having to be improved (or even built from scratch in many cases).

Wal-Mart workers often don't earn enough to support themselves, and have to be subsidized with food stamps, Section 8 housing, etc. Wal-Mart could pay its workers more, but that would cut into its huge profits and make its billionaire owners slightly less rich...so no dice.

Don't take my word for it! The Internets are never wrong:

"A secret behind Wal-Mart’s rapid expansion in the United States has been its extensive use of public money. This includes more than $1.2 billion in tax breaks, free land, infrastructure assistance, low-cost financing and outright grants from state and local governments around the country. In addition, taxpayers indirectly subsidize the company by paying the healthcare costs of Wal-Mart employees who don’t receive coverage on the job and instead turn to public programs such as Medicaid. This website brings together available information on both kinds of subsidies involved in Wal-Mart’s “double-dipping.” In the future we will add data on other ways Wal-Mart relies on taxpayers to finance its growth."

Web Link

Maybe it is Safeway that doesn't want the store. . .HMMMM

Interesting.

The people who want "low wages every day" Wal-Mart to expand its presence in Pleasanton appear to be the same people who don't want "affordable housing" in Pleasanton.

So where are those Wal-Mart workers going to live?

Not in Pleasanton, that's for sure.

"Bag my groceries and then get out of town!"

Can you feel the love? I know I do.

Get real YAT. It's not about love. It's about me being able to save a few pennies, which is the most important thing in the world for me. I lose sleep over it; I fetishize it. I couldn't care less about exploitative uses of child labor. It's my world and all I care about it me.

Hey YAT, you must be a union shill, otherwise I can't make sense of your comments. Everybody is like me in that their opinions are formed to support their own private interests (like me saving my pennies). It is incomprehensible to me that anyone would base an argument or viewpoint on priciple or some other half-baked idealist notion. How much is the union paying you? And no, I am NOT an idiot.

Why doesn't Whole Foods open a store in Pleasanton?

"Why doesn't Whole Foods open a store in Pleasanton?"

Inadequate labor pool? Too expensive? Classy Ptowners would rather shop at Wallyworld and save a buck or two? I don't know. I guess it's just one of life's many mysteries.

Good question Proud Alabam - it has been asked several times as to why Whole Foods doesn't open up a store in Pleasanton. I have yet to hear a reasonable answer. Lafayette just opened a new Whole Foods, and it is packed most days of the week! The prices are not that different in regards to regular grocery items. Perhaps many P-towners are so used to living in their 'bubble' that they never venture down the 680 and see what other shopping opportunities their are!

KT,

I think the answer is obvious and it is because Safeay has their corporate headquarters here and have their hands in the pockets of the elected officials. Why do you think our fine mayor fights anything which smells of competition to Safeway. We have about 80,000 people and minimal grocery store options. I say let Walmart create some competition for these guys and we will be the winners.

We need a store like Whole Foods, not Walmart! I always have to go to San Ramon to do my shopping, I wish we had a Whole Foods right here in Pleasanton. Besides, not too far from that area, we already have a Walmart.

One reason that Trader Joes has not expanded in Pleasanton beyond its very small store, and that other retailers have not moved into the area, is because it is difficult to attract workers to Pleasanton.

You see, there's no affordable housing nearby and the workers have to commute a long way to work at low-wage jobs. The commute costs mean that they seek work closer to home.

YAT... huh?

"You see, there's no affordable housing nearby and the workers have to commute a long way to work at low-wage jobs. The commute costs mean that they seek work closer to home."

Sure. They have to come all the way from Dublin or Livermore.

"Welcome to Pleasanton, low wage workers. Do your jobs and then get out."

That's one hell of a city motto.

Glad I live in Dublin, to be honest. Wouldn't want Fred as one of my neighbors--and he might report me to the police for constant surveillance for "suspicious activity" (I often read books while lounging in the backyard, which is as suspicious as it gets).

If we needed another supermarket in town, then Nob Hill would still be in business - what we certainly don't need is another WallMart!! One thing Pleasanton could use is a "good" Bakery. Maybe the space at Nob Hill could be split into a couple of businesses/stores.

Resident, there is NO WalMart Food MARKET ! didn't you read all the words?
A Whole Foods would be nice. However, they are also non-union.

There will be a new eat-in Safeway down at Bernal & freeway.
And we have the new Sprouts in Dublin which is just about the Perfect store,,,,medium size, low prices, beautiful fresh seafood & meat counter, great made to order sandwiches @ 3.99. I still have to go the Trader Joe's for certain items...neat store, just tight parking.

The country fried chicken at Safeway is incomparable. And Traders doesn't sell Fritos or cheap colas.

The opening of a Walmart grocery will not herald the end of civilizatin as we know it. Walmart grocery stores feature fresh produce, meats and other merchandise of the same quality as other chain stores with the added incentive of attractive pricing. It is not likely that this store will put anyone out of business, rather, it will merely offer shoppers a choice. Ours is a free enterprise system, Walmart should be allowed to open, and compete with other merchants for business. They offer nothing more or less than one more option for shoppers to consider. Let them open for business, and may they prosper.

We desperately need an anchor back in the old Nob Hill space. It is becoming a blight--old, beat-up cars parked there for days, grafitti appearing, kids hanging out in back. And the smaller stores in that shopping center are no doubt suffering for lack of an anchor.

There are several specialty grocers, but no budget-conscious, everyday grocer in this part of town. The people in my neighborhood and the other surrounding neighborhoods used to walk or bike to Nob Hill, now that is not as possible to T.J.'s, Safeway, Fresh 'N Easy, etc., at least not for a quick run.

I am familiar with the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Grocery stores from my parents' neighborhood in Texas. They are super nice, offering plenty of produce and meats--not just "processed food." Before we reject it (and it's not clear if the city can do anything since they are not asking for a zoning or square footage modification) we should ask if we are cutting off our noses to spite our faces.

Whole Foods is not on the table for this space, nor is any other retail store - from what I've read Walmart is the only interested party at the moment. The space was occupied by a grocery chain before so what's the issue? The size of the store won't change - Walmart is not building a 100,000 sq ft store - it is going to occupy the space that Nob Hill occupied. Do I wish Whole Foods was interested - YES but they are not. Get over the brand and get on with filling empty retail space that will provide tax revenue to the city.

Right on Maggie! And by the way, I live directly behind the store.

With the economy the way it is these days, and people not having jobs it certainly would be a plus for a Wal-Mart Grocery Store to come into our community. we all can't live in Ruby Hill or CastleWood Estates or afford high prices.

Get off your glorified pedistals and humble yourselves for one day you may not be able to feed your children the way you are used too.
I certainly won't be ashamed of shopping in a smaller grocery store , I'm certainly am not above doing this.

Looking forward to having more people express their acceptance of such a store in our community. Let's hear from you !!!!

I live within a block of the old Nob Hill site and would welcome a local Wal-Mart grocery "market" type store. Totally agree with "maggie", other Pleasanton Meadows resident, and On a Budget. The site has been empty too long!

I live directly in the Nob Hill neighborhood - across the street to be exact. NO, I don't want a Walmart of any kind across from my house. I've seen people stealing and acting like "fools" at the other Walmart in town. Do I want this in front of my house? Absolutely not. I'd welcome something else - just about anything else - besides a Walmart. I'm on a budget, like many other people. But that doesn't mean I want that store right across the street from me. They were sneaky in the way they filed the paperwork for the space, initially having Walmart on the paperwork, then subsequently removing their name. They know theres going to be a fight. As far as I'm concerned, "foodshopper" probably works for them. And I don't believe it's union and politics either. Fresh & Easy was welcomed (sorta)... are they union? No. And I shop there very often. I don't think a Whole Foods would be a great choice for this part of Pleasanton either. Another smaller version of a big box store, or like the other poster said - a Mi Pueblo would be good. There's nothing like that in this city that caters to specialty ethnic food (i.e. the Latinos that live in this city!). Those are my thoughts.

MV-so, a Latino market is OK, but not a WalMart. And the reason is because of who shops there? Way to promote stereotypes....

MV, Fresh & Easy is no threat to any store and no inpact to any union discussion. I stop in F&E from Express Fitness, and usually there are few cars !...NO impact on any discussion either.
It should be Whole Foods or WalMart Market, because,,,,,either would survive ! and THAT matters today ! ! (probably survive because they ARE non-union!)
And, most of us who want mexican food, in addition to Latios....go to a mexican RESTAURANT....most aren't real eager to start digging out the pots and pans to make each family member's fav mexican dish.
I'd have no reason to ever stop in...all I make is 'reservations'.

The old Nob Hill site was so convenient..we could walk or bike there for a few items and get some exercise at the same time! Any small grocery store would be welcome...as long as it has good fresh produce! If they employed some part time people that would be a help as well!

I haven't read ALL these comments but I didn't see any that welcomed the new Fast & Easy to Pleasanton (not too far from the old Nob Hill site), and not to mention the old Safeway on Santa Rita and the new 99 Ranch Mkt in Rose Pavilion, and Trader Joe's just up the street, not to mention the new Sprouts in Dublin, not to mention the two Safeways in Dublin, not to mention the other 99 Ranch Market in Dublin, not to mention Target now sells food in Dublin, not to mention the Grocery Outlet in Dublin, not to mention the new Safeway being built at 680 & Bernal, not to mention Raley's & also Gene's Fine Foods and Lucky's too. WHEW!! I think that's all of 'em and all within a few miles of anyplace in Pleasanton. Now I'm hungry!!

I can only feel sympathy for so many Ptown denizens who are on the verge of losing home and cars because of the oppressive tax system. How about starting up a flea market on the Nob Hill site? All of Ptown's tax-gouged losers could sell some of their old fireplace accessories and junker bmw's. Others could set up a taco stand or something and supplement their incomes, as well as becoming heroic job hirers.

Couldn't we maybe connvert it into a outdoor drive-in theeater?

You can call me white trash if you want to, but I like the idea of a outdoor flea market. All I really care about is money, and with a flea market I could sell some of my old Texas Rangers peraphernalia and make a few bucks.

I, for one, have had the opportunity to shop at a Walmart Grocery Store. They carry name brands at a fraction of the cost of Target, Safeway, or other grocery stores. I'm for saving money in this economic climate. Furthermore, I'm tired of Pleasanton losing taxes $$$ because of picky dissent from folks saying "Not in my neighborhood."
If history serves me right, the fight over the general plan over the Stoneridge extension has lost Hendrickson abandoning the move into the new construction on the extension. Hendrickson decided not to move, but do a major renovation at their present site. Now the city needs to scramble to find a new tenant.
So, it's time to get more tax $$$ into the city so we can fix our streets, invest in the schools, & quit be such snobs!

Why does the occupancy of this building have to be about food. I really miss the Consignment Store that used to be in the Rose Pavillion where the new Express Fitness is now. I'd love to have a Consignment Store like that back in town so that I don't have to go all the way to Danville.

This whole discussion is one more reason to hate pleasanton!! You all act like you're upper class and to hell with the working man and god forbid anyone who isn't white. However, you want your walmart with the low prices, exploiting their workers, etc and then make sure they leave the city and go back to where ever it is they live but god forbid never in pleasanton, whiteville! Guess what folks, you can't have your cake and then kick out the bakers!

I might be wrong, but if I remember correctly, several years ago Pleasanton Walmart wanted to expand and add groceries. The people said no, the city council also said no. Is this just another way to get that store in our town? I agree with the person who would like to see a Furniture Consignment store. I also loved and shopped at the one that was once in Rose Pavilion

The reality is that *anything* in that location is better than the blight of an empty storefront. A tenant will bring jobs, tax revenue and keep the center from falling into abandoned disrepair. If you don't like Walmart's business practices you are welcome to shop elsewhere. There are MANY who live in that area that would appreciate groceries within walking distance...

The suggestion that Ptown have a flea market is the best I've seen on these posts in years. My wife and I would love to be able to sell our canned persimmons and prune paste.

Steve: Not sure what stereotypes you want to assume I'm talking about (you know what they say about people who assume!); never said no Walmart because of WHO shops there, but because of what it tends to attract. I'm not saying anything shocking here. Anyone who goes there knows what I'm talking about. Stereotyping... Nice! Mi Pueblo is a thought someone else mentioned as well. Didn't know that was so offensive!

Union: Funny! I wish I could afford do only make reservations. I prefer to cook. Daily. After work. It's a crazy concept, I know, but it works for me.

I don't think a Walmart in that location would have any significant impact on housing values and it would be nice to have a lower cost grocery store in the neighborhood so the average shopper has some way to fight the rising cost of food and the bait and gouge practice of other stores (i.e. bait the customer with sales and then gouge them on the non-sale items they buy).

Incidentally, I'm not particularly impressed with Walmart food prices either. They are occasionally substantially less, but usually only a few pennies less and almost never less than the "sale" price at other stores. So the price conscious shopper still needs to pay attention to the sales and the cost of individual items and not blindly assume Walmart is always the lowest.

Careful, Teresa. If you call out Pleasantonians on their racism or class discrimination, they'll smugly observe that you're "out of control" and tell you to get some therapy to control your anger.

Of course, they never say that to their foaming-at-the-mouth-with-anger Tea Partiers, just to people who complain about being treated like second-class citizens or unwelcome outsiders in this town.

Yes, Pleasantonians want good police and fire services, good schools, good services in the restaurants and shops, and they want their public parks and streets kept immaculate. They also want the people who provide those services to live elsewhere. They only want us for the work we provide, they don't want us as neighbors. Pleasanton has made that abundantly clear with its blatantly illegal housing cap and its multi-million dollar (losing) battle against the affordable housing lawsuit.

Welcome to Pleasanton, Working People: Just Don't Stay Too Long.

Nob Hill please come back. We miss you.

I for one love the idea of a WalMart on Nob Hill. Being from Arkansas, Walmarts remind me of my home. WalMarts and chicken farms is what I remember most about my home state.

Now I've worked hard, saved my money, and entered the upper class folks of Pleasanton. Now I'd love the town to become more like my home town. My wife and I will have free grazing of the frozen food section, able to buy frozen corn dogs, maneater plates, and white castle hamburgers to our hearts content. Nothing better than sitting in front of our plasma t.v., watching the country music station, and munching on corn dogs and white castles.

YAT-"They only want us for the work we provide, they don't want us as neighbors." "Welcome to Pleasanton, Working People: Just Don't Stay Too Long."
My God, it must be hell living in Pleasanton for you people! (yes, take that any way you want). YAT, if things are as bad as you say they are and there's no chance that our neighbors are going to change, you really only have one choice-find another city that will support your agenda and take your giant chip on your shoulder with you.
Most of the folks you continue to insult are the ones that built this city into a desirable place to live. If it's not to your liking, you know where to find the door. It makes me wonder how you ended up here in the first place.....

We built this city! We built this city on fear of outsiders and entitlement group whiners.

I agree with Steve! What is wrong with you people who complain about Pleasanton. There are plenty of cities that we can't afford to live in but we don't put them down. We can't afford a single family home in Pleasanton or any other city around here but there are other alternatives like condos and apartments, to make it possible to live here. Desirable areas cost more. And that's a fact all over the world. So if you have a job in Pleasanton but can't afford to live here, why don't you just be thankful that you have a job in a beautiful and safe city. I'm sure there are plenty of out of work people who would gladly take your place.

Yep, some years ago I had my full-time job cut from 8 hours to 4 hours a day. Too incompetent to find anything else, I can't really affored to live here, but I like usoing the zip code on my letters. That, and contributing to these posts, makes me feel like I'm somebody.

Lets face it, there are more homeless in the area than ever before. We need the old nob hill store to be a nice, clean well managed homeless shelter. We would all benefit by this and would feel good about our neighborhood.

What kind of profits would the homeless shelter bring in? And wouldn't it attract all the undesirables we want to stay in Oakland and other minority communities? I don't like this idea at all.