Opponents tee off on proposed Scotts Valley Target
Target critics offered up a litany of reasons Wednesday on why the big-box retailer would be a “nightmare” for Scotts Valley, while store officials said they wouldn’t back away from opening the store in face of opposition.
A 155,000-square-foot store proposed for a vacant lot on La Madrona Drive next to the Hilton could put the hotel out of business, impede a fire station slated to be built across the street, lead to homeless people using the parking lot to car camp, harm wildlife, increase crime, bring unwanted traffic, tarnish the city’s reputation and lower values of nearby homes, Target opponents said.
“We all know this issue is a no-brainer,” said Karen Diamond, a gift store owner in Felton. “Target is going to be a traffic nightmare, it’s going to be a water nightmare and it’s going to be an economic nightmare.”
A public meeting was held at City Hall for city planning officials and project consultants to receive public input on what should be studied in a draft supplemental environmental impact report that is not expected to be completed for several months.
A standing-room only crowd of about 100 people attended the 4 p.m. meeting, which overlapped with the City Council meeting that began at 6 p.m. Target criticism continued during the council’s time set aside for public comments.
At least 20 people spoke against the project. No one said they favored the store coming to town.
