Preservation Alert from Virginia: Stop Wal-Mart
Stop “Wilderness Wal-Mart” — Why Isn’t Wal-Mart Listening?
TAKE ACTION TODAY: Tell Wal-Mart to save a site of national significance
We’re very grateful that Virginia’s Governor Tim Kaine believes Wilderness Battlefield is “supremely important” and that he has “strongly encouraged” Wal-Mart to find an alternative site away from the battlefield and National Park. Why isn’t Wal-Mart listening?
Ten thousand voices may move the corporate giant away from the historic Wilderness Battlefield,
but time is short. Your help is needed now.
It’s a simple message. Ask Wal-Mart CEO Michael T. Duke to:
- Respect our nation’s irreplaceable Civil War heritage
- Relocate Wal-Mart’s superstore away from Wilderness Battlefield and the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
- Find an alternative site in Orange County, Virginia, where large-scale commercial development makes more sense
HERE ARE THE FACTS:
Wal-Mart and JDC Ventures LLC of Vienna, Virginia, have proposed to build 240,000 square feet of big-box development within the boundaries of Wilderness Battlefield and just across the road from the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park in Orange County, Virginia.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s analysis shows that Wal-Mart’s project would irrevocably harm the battlefield, undermine the visitor’s experience of the National Military Park, and open the door for more incompatible large-scale development at the gateway to the National Park.
Consequently, preservationists have asked Wal-Mart to relocate the planned development to another site in Orange County away from the battlefield and National Park. We do not oppose growth in Orange County but think it should be done in a sustainable manner.
Unfortunately, on June 25, 2009, the Orange County Planning Commission voted 5-4 to recommend approval of Wal-Mart’s proposed development. The Orange County Board of Supervisors is expected to approve the oversized commercial development in late July 2009.
The National Trust and the Wilderness Battlefield Coalition continue to engage local citizens to contact the Board of Supervisors. We also are communicating directly with Wal-Mart to raise our concerns and request relocation of the planned development. It is in Wal-Mart’s power to change their plans and relocate the Superstore.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- TAKE ACTION TODAY: Please help save Wilderness Battlefield and our Nation’s Civil War heritage by asking Wal-Mart to relocate their Superstore.
- SPREAD THE WORD: Tell 5 friends about this issue and ask them to join us in this fight. The more people we get involved, the better chance we have at saving this irreplaceable battlefield.