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 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.
Other Related Questions
In this excerpt, the author suggests that Burl needs help
- A. solving a mystery that troubles him.
- B. cleaning out his honey stand.
- C. working at his honey stand.
- D. making personal improvements.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The excerpt indicates that Burl is experiencing a troubling mystery, which implies a need for assistance in resolving his concerns. Option A accurately reflects this need for help with a specific problem. Option B, cleaning out his honey stand, suggests a task that may not be linked to his emotional or mental state. Option C, working at his honey stand, implies he is capable of managing his responsibilities without external help. Lastly, Option D, making personal improvements, is too vague and does not directly connect to the immediate issue Burl faces, which centers around a mystery rather than personal development.
The excerpt indicates that Burl is experiencing a troubling mystery, which implies a need for assistance in resolving his concerns. Option A accurately reflects this need for help with a specific problem. Option B, cleaning out his honey stand, suggests a task that may not be linked to his emotional or mental state. Option C, working at his honey stand, implies he is capable of managing his responsibilities without external help. Lastly, Option D, making personal improvements, is too vague and does not directly connect to the immediate issue Burl faces, which centers around a mystery rather than personal development.
What is the relationship between paragraphs 7 and 8?
- A. Paragraph 8 presents a solution to a problem raised in paragraph 7.
- B. Paragraph 8 contrasts information in paragraph 7.
- C. Paragraph 8 applies a concept presented in paragraph 7.
- D. Paragraph 8 provides evidence for an issue presented in paragraph 7.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Paragraph 7 introduces a specific idea or situation, while paragraph 8 presents a contrasting viewpoint or alternative perspective, highlighting differences rather than similarities. This contrast is essential for understanding the complexity of the topic. Option A is incorrect as there is no solution offered in paragraph 8; it merely contrasts the information. Option C misinterprets the relationship; applying a concept implies continuity rather than opposition. Option D suggests that paragraph 8 supports paragraph 7, which is not the case since it presents a differing perspective rather than evidence. Thus, the relationship is one of contrast.
Paragraph 7 introduces a specific idea or situation, while paragraph 8 presents a contrasting viewpoint or alternative perspective, highlighting differences rather than similarities. This contrast is essential for understanding the complexity of the topic. Option A is incorrect as there is no solution offered in paragraph 8; it merely contrasts the information. Option C misinterprets the relationship; applying a concept implies continuity rather than opposition. Option D suggests that paragraph 8 supports paragraph 7, which is not the case since it presents a differing perspective rather than evidence. Thus, the relationship is one of contrast.
Based on details in the article, what generalizations can be made about landfills?
- A. Communities accept landfill companies that are receptive to concerns.
- B. Landfill businesses in some communities are following the Gregory brothers' model.
- C. Legal restraints will eventually force communities to close their landfills.
- D. Recycling will eventually replace the need for landfills in all communities.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A highlights the importance of communication between landfill companies and communities, emphasizing that successful operations often depend on addressing local concerns. This reflects a collaborative approach that can lead to better acceptance of landfills. Option B inaccurately suggests that all landfill businesses adopt a specific model, which may not be universally applicable across different communities. Option C presents an overly deterministic view, implying that legal constraints will inevitably lead to landfill closures, which may not be true for all regions. Option D assumes that recycling will completely eliminate the need for landfills, disregarding the reality that some waste will always require disposal.
Option A highlights the importance of communication between landfill companies and communities, emphasizing that successful operations often depend on addressing local concerns. This reflects a collaborative approach that can lead to better acceptance of landfills. Option B inaccurately suggests that all landfill businesses adopt a specific model, which may not be universally applicable across different communities. Option C presents an overly deterministic view, implying that legal constraints will inevitably lead to landfill closures, which may not be true for all regions. Option D assumes that recycling will completely eliminate the need for landfills, disregarding the reality that some waste will always require disposal.
Which phrase does the author use to support the claims made by ocean wave power proponents?
- A. ...the technology is likely to displace marine ecosystems and introduce pollutants into marine waters.'
- B. …any risk to our fragile ecosystems is too much of a risk.'
- C. …the technology does not use or waste water, but merely displaces it.'
- D. Additionally, there are several methods and locations of deployment for these devices…'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C effectively supports the claims made by ocean wave power proponents by highlighting a key advantage of the technology: it does not waste water, which is crucial for environmental sustainability. This emphasizes the efficiency and eco-friendliness of ocean wave power. Option A presents a concern regarding negative impacts on marine ecosystems, which contradicts the proponents' claims. Option B expresses a cautionary stance that undermines the potential benefits of ocean wave energy. Option D, while informative, does not directly support the positive claims about the technology’s environmental impact.
Option C effectively supports the claims made by ocean wave power proponents by highlighting a key advantage of the technology: it does not waste water, which is crucial for environmental sustainability. This emphasizes the efficiency and eco-friendliness of ocean wave power. Option A presents a concern regarding negative impacts on marine ecosystems, which contradicts the proponents' claims. Option B expresses a cautionary stance that undermines the potential benefits of ocean wave energy. Option D, while informative, does not directly support the positive claims about the technology’s environmental impact.