We strongly oppose the approval of the recent proposal submitted by Harsch Investment to expand the size of the Alameda Towne Centre by 162,000 square feet and build a Target store. Alameda does not have the infrastructure to support the traffic that would be generated by such expansion in this area of town. The size and placement of this building will impose significant health and safety issues for the residents living in this area due to increased traffic, and the increase in crime and vandalism due to the criminal element that is generally attracted to discount stores. It can be expected that because of these reasons, these citizens will see a significant reduction in their property values as will any homeowner situated along the roadways leading to the center. The cost to the city to try to manage the traffic and crime problems in addition to the loss of property taxes will far exceed any potential increase in sales tax revenues the store may generate. Therefore, we believe that the Planning Board and the City Council has no choice but to reject this proposal from Harsch and limit any expansion to small boutique-type stores, similar in size to the existing stores.

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