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
Which statement expresses a theme in the excerpt?
- A. Reality may be a matter of interpretation.
- B. Any hero may suddenly fall from glory.
- C. The use of violence is rarely justified.
- D. Bravery is created from inner conviction.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A highlights the theme that reality can vary based on individual perspectives, suggesting that different characters may perceive the same situation differently. This aligns with the excerpt’s nuanced portrayal of events and characters. Option B, while it addresses the potential for a hero's downfall, does not capture the broader theme of interpretation present in the text. Option C focuses on violence, which may be discussed but does not reflect the central theme of subjective reality. Option D emphasizes bravery, yet it does not encompass the key idea of varying interpretations that define the excerpt’s message.
Option A highlights the theme that reality can vary based on individual perspectives, suggesting that different characters may perceive the same situation differently. This aligns with the excerpt’s nuanced portrayal of events and characters. Option B, while it addresses the potential for a hero's downfall, does not capture the broader theme of interpretation present in the text. Option C focuses on violence, which may be discussed but does not reflect the central theme of subjective reality. Option D emphasizes bravery, yet it does not encompass the key idea of varying interpretations that define the excerpt’s message.
How are the newsletter and the letter to the editor different with respect to their intended audiences?
- A. The newsletter is intended for a more knowledgeable audience.
- B. The newsletter is intended for a younger audience.
- C. The newsletter is intended for a smaller audience.
- D. The newsletter is intended for a more diverse audience.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.
What information does the author provide about wave-capturing devices in both the chart and the article?
- A. how they are made and which countries utilize them
- B. where they are located and how they work
- C. who makes them and for what purpose
- D. how much electricity they generate and where they are positioned
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The author emphasizes the functionality and geographical placement of wave-capturing devices, detailing how they operate and where they are situated. This focus helps readers understand the practical application and effectiveness of these devices in harnessing wave energy. Option A incorrectly suggests a focus on manufacturing processes and specific countries, which is not the primary emphasis. Option C misrepresents the content by implying a focus on the creators and their intentions rather than the devices' mechanics and locations. Option D, while mentioning electricity generation, overlooks the essential aspect of how these devices function and their specific locations, making it less comprehensive.
The author emphasizes the functionality and geographical placement of wave-capturing devices, detailing how they operate and where they are situated. This focus helps readers understand the practical application and effectiveness of these devices in harnessing wave energy. Option A incorrectly suggests a focus on manufacturing processes and specific countries, which is not the primary emphasis. Option C misrepresents the content by implying a focus on the creators and their intentions rather than the devices' mechanics and locations. Option D, while mentioning electricity generation, overlooks the essential aspect of how these devices function and their specific locations, making it less comprehensive.
What challenge does Burl face?
- A. the isolation in his work
- B. how to improve his health
- C. how to manage his time
- D. the survival of the hives
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Burl's primary challenge revolves around the survival of the hives, which is crucial for his beekeeping livelihood. This concern encompasses factors such as environmental threats and colony health, directly impacting his work. Option A, the isolation in his work, might be a factor but does not capture the central issue affecting his beekeeping. Option B, improving health, while important, is not Burl's main focus in the context of his responsibilities. Option C, managing time, is relevant but secondary to the urgent matter of hive survival, which ultimately determines the success of his beekeeping efforts.
Burl's primary challenge revolves around the survival of the hives, which is crucial for his beekeeping livelihood. This concern encompasses factors such as environmental threats and colony health, directly impacting his work. Option A, the isolation in his work, might be a factor but does not capture the central issue affecting his beekeeping. Option B, improving health, while important, is not Burl's main focus in the context of his responsibilities. Option C, managing time, is relevant but secondary to the urgent matter of hive survival, which ultimately determines the success of his beekeeping efforts.