Email
From: Evan Riley, Chair, Juniper Estates Neighborhood Committee
Sent: December 12
To: Loretta Acosta, Zoning Commissioner
CC: Rudy Hartwell, Mayor
Subject: Proposed re-zoning for Brannick's Superstore adjacent to Juniper Estates
1. I represent the Juniper Estates Neighborhood Committee. Last night, community residents had a meeting in which they expressed views on the re-zoning request Brannick's Superstore proposed. Nearly 100% of the attendees were opposed to the Antrim Zoning Commission allowing a Brannick's to be built on the land adjacent to Juniper Estates. I have been asked to summarize neighborhood opposition.
2. A Brannick's Superstore is a wonderful place to shop. It provides groceries prescriptions and even auto repairs. However, it is not an appealing structure to have in one's backyard. This is especially true for residents of Juniper Estates. Situated on the northern edge of the Antrim city limits, Juniper Estates is more rural than urban. Many of our residents moved to the northern edge of Antrim to be near the woods and the wildlife. They wanted to be away from the city, not in the middle of a busy shopping mecca. Furthermore, construction of this superstore would remove a large portion of forest from the area adjoining Juniper Estates and uproot the wildlife that depends on it.
3. In place of deer, this superstore would bring in cars and chaos. With traffic congestion comes increased pollution and noise. In effect, a store the size of Brannick's would bring the city right to our doorsteps. While we live within the city limits of Antrim, we reside in the rural community of Juniper Estates, and we want to keep it rustic.
4. Even though most Juniper Estates residents commute to jobs downtown, about 15% of our residents work right here in the surrounding area. These folks are largely small- business owners and their employees. They depend on the purchases made by residents of the Antrim community for their livelihoods. These shopkeepers are happy to let members of the rest of the community spend their city earnings in our shops. Antrim shoppers know that our shops are unique and distinctive, offering original, often handmade products. These businesses are a source of both income and pride for their owners and employees.
5. Unfortunately, the shops near Juniper Estates could not compete with the prices of a nearby superstore. If Brannick's is right next door, most people will shop there. Brannick's can afford to sell for less. Its presence in the community could force many of our local businesses to close. Even people who are loyal customers of the small, specialized shops could eventually succumb to the lure of a superstore.
6. Additionally, the Property Trends website states that building a superstore typically drops home values by 10%. This is reason enough for members of our community to protest the proposed zoning adjustment.
7. Antrim already has two Brannick's Superstores. How many superstores do we need? If you change the zoning legislation, let it be for something that will enhance the beauty and uniqueness of our community. Juniper Estates has enough traffic and noise. We need to protect the businesses we have and the independent personality of our rural community. We strongly urge you to decline Brannick's re-zoning request.
Evan Riley
**********
Press Release
February 2
For Immediate Release
Brannick's Superstore Is Coming!
8. Thanks for being our new neighbor!
9. Brannick's application for the re-zoning of land adjacent to Juniper Estates has been approved with some revisions. We are now preparing to begin construction. Although our original plan was to build a full-sized store on this land, we have modified our plan to accommodate the community concerns that were presented to us by the Antrim Zoning Commission. People in the neighborhood were unhappy with our plan, and beginning a feud with potential customers is never an option for Brannick's. Therefore, we have made some concessions that we hope will please our customers in the area.
10. The first concern of our new neighbors is the noise and traffic the store could generate. Unfortunately, traffic and noise come with the territory of a superstore. Brannick's Superstores are popular, and this one will no doubt draw customers from nearby towns. However, we have worked with the Antrim City Council to find a way to minimize the noise and traffic and to limit our impact on Juniper Estates.
11. We have agreed to forgo our original plan to use the full 200,000 square feet possible under the original re-zoning request. Our store will instead occupy only 125,000 square feet. This size will allow for a buffer zone of wooded area between our store and Juniper Estates. Brannick's will maintain this wooded area; our landscaping team will scrupulously clean up any trash that winds blow into this area. This area will ensure that the store is not visible to nearby residents and will greatly reduce the traffic noise.
12. Furthermore, in the spirit of community involvement, we will place an 80-inch plasma
screen within the store for local ads and announcements. And this service will be free to
all local businesses! These ads could generate more business for local shops, because
Brannick's general merchandise and services. Aren’t competition for these more specialized shops.
13. We will soon have nearly 100 job openings. Applications for the new store are avallable
online. We are looking forward to being your new neighbor.
Based on details in paragraph 9, which generalization can be made about Brannick's Superstore?
- A. Brannick's is concealing its frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission.
- B. Brannick's is considering adapting construction plans for other superstores.
- C. Brannick's is concerned that its new superstore will hurt future profits.
- D. Brannick's is concerned about the way consumers perceive the company.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Brannick's Superstore expresses concern about consumer perception, as indicated in paragraph 9, highlighting the importance of public image for business success. Option A suggests that Brannick's is hiding frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission, which is not supported by the text, as it focuses on consumer perception rather than zoning issues. Option B implies that Brannick's is contemplating changes for other superstores, a notion not mentioned in the paragraph. Option C suggests a direct concern about future profits, which is not the primary focus; instead, the emphasis is on how the new superstore is viewed by consumers.
Brannick's Superstore expresses concern about consumer perception, as indicated in paragraph 9, highlighting the importance of public image for business success. Option A suggests that Brannick's is hiding frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission, which is not supported by the text, as it focuses on consumer perception rather than zoning issues. Option B implies that Brannick's is contemplating changes for other superstores, a notion not mentioned in the paragraph. Option C suggests a direct concern about future profits, which is not the primary focus; instead, the emphasis is on how the new superstore is viewed by consumers.
Other Related Questions
This law amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 so that discriminatory intent is recognized even if the events of intention occur outside the statute of limitations. What can readers infer from this sentence?
- A. Ledbetter waited to file her claim.
- B. Ledbetter's lawsuit created significant change.
- C. Ledbetter's employer ignored the existing law.
- D. Ledbetter felt cheated by her employer
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The statement indicates that this law addresses discriminatory intent beyond the statute of limitations, suggesting that Ledbetter's case had a significant impact on civil rights legislation. This implies that her lawsuit led to important changes in how discrimination is addressed legally. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on the timing of Ledbetter's claim rather than the implications of the law. Option C suggests negligence on the employer's part, which is not directly inferred from the statement. Option D, while it may be true, does not reflect the broader legal implications highlighted in the sentence. Thus, the emphasis is on the transformative effect of Ledbetter's lawsuit.
The statement indicates that this law addresses discriminatory intent beyond the statute of limitations, suggesting that Ledbetter's case had a significant impact on civil rights legislation. This implies that her lawsuit led to important changes in how discrimination is addressed legally. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on the timing of Ledbetter's claim rather than the implications of the law. Option C suggests negligence on the employer's part, which is not directly inferred from the statement. Option D, while it may be true, does not reflect the broader legal implications highlighted in the sentence. Thus, the emphasis is on the transformative effect of Ledbetter's lawsuit.
According to paragraphs 1 and 2 of 'The Letter of the Law,' Lilly Ledbetter worked for Goodyear for nearly 20 years; however, conflict arose in 1998 when Ledbetter was nearing retirement. What can the reader infer from the information in these paragraphs?
- A. Women at Goodyear received fewer promotions than men.
- B. Male supervisors were indifferent about the salaries paid to the female supervisors.
- C. Company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law.
- D. Female employees performed less strenuous tasks than their male counterparts
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.
The only reason her husband did not consult her about his business was that she did not wait to be consulted. What role does the sentence play in the excerpt?
- A. It foreshadows a decision the characters will face
- B. It develops the theme of cooperation.
- C. It helps establish important character traits
- D. It emphasizes a conflict over money.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The sentence highlights key character traits, particularly the husband's independence and the wife's assertiveness. This dynamic reveals their communication patterns and individual approaches to decision-making, which are crucial for understanding their relationship. Option A is incorrect, as the statement does not hint at future decisions but rather reflects their current situation. Option B misinterprets the essence of their relationship; it suggests cooperation, while the sentence indicates a lack of it. Option D inaccurately focuses on money, whereas the sentence centers on their interpersonal dynamics, not financial conflict.
The sentence highlights key character traits, particularly the husband's independence and the wife's assertiveness. This dynamic reveals their communication patterns and individual approaches to decision-making, which are crucial for understanding their relationship. Option A is incorrect, as the statement does not hint at future decisions but rather reflects their current situation. Option B misinterprets the essence of their relationship; it suggests cooperation, while the sentence indicates a lack of it. Option D inaccurately focuses on money, whereas the sentence centers on their interpersonal dynamics, not financial conflict.
Based on the email, which description characterizes the relationship between the profitability of the small shops near Juniper Estates and the opening of a Brannick's Superstore?
- A. The size of Brannick's would allow it to offer lower prices, possibly forcing the small shops out of business.
- B. Brannick's would attract new customers to the area, bringing business to the small shops.
- C. The small shops charge higher prices than Brannick's would, potentially allowing them to offer better wages to their workers.
- D. The small shops carry products too specialized for Brannick's, ensuring the loyalty of their customers.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The relationship between the profitability of small shops near Juniper Estates and the opening of Brannick's Superstore is primarily characterized by competitive pricing. Brannick's larger size enables it to offer lower prices, which may drive small shops out of business due to reduced customer traffic. Option B suggests that Brannick's would attract new customers, which is unlikely to benefit small shops if they cannot compete on price. Option C incorrectly assumes that higher prices lead to better wages, which generally isn't sustainable against lower-priced competitors. Option D overlooks the impact of pricing competition, as even specialized products may not suffice to retain customers when faced with significantly lower prices from a superstore.
The relationship between the profitability of small shops near Juniper Estates and the opening of Brannick's Superstore is primarily characterized by competitive pricing. Brannick's larger size enables it to offer lower prices, which may drive small shops out of business due to reduced customer traffic. Option B suggests that Brannick's would attract new customers, which is unlikely to benefit small shops if they cannot compete on price. Option C incorrectly assumes that higher prices lead to better wages, which generally isn't sustainable against lower-priced competitors. Option D overlooks the impact of pricing competition, as even specialized products may not suffice to retain customers when faced with significantly lower prices from a superstore.