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
The monologue in paragraphs 4 and 5 suggests that Don Quixote believes that Sancho
- A. fails to trust in the abilities of an experienced knight.
- B. relies on outside help rather than personal strength.
- C. prefers harmless realities to exciting adventures
- D. lacks the confidence to face a potential danger.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The monologue in paragraphs 4 and 5 indicates that Don Quixote perceives Sancho as someone who favors the comfort of familiar, safe experiences over the thrill of adventure. This preference highlights Sancho's inclination towards stability rather than embracing the uncertainties of knightly quests. Option A is incorrect as the text does not imply that Sancho distrusts Don Quixote's abilities. Option B misinterprets Sancho’s character; he often shows resourcefulness and courage. Option D suggests a lack of confidence in facing danger, but the text emphasizes Sancho's practical nature rather than fearfulness.
The monologue in paragraphs 4 and 5 indicates that Don Quixote perceives Sancho as someone who favors the comfort of familiar, safe experiences over the thrill of adventure. This preference highlights Sancho's inclination towards stability rather than embracing the uncertainties of knightly quests. Option A is incorrect as the text does not imply that Sancho distrusts Don Quixote's abilities. Option B misinterprets Sancho’s character; he often shows resourcefulness and courage. Option D suggests a lack of confidence in facing danger, but the text emphasizes Sancho's practical nature rather than fearfulness.
What was the main purpose for Anthony's speech?
- A. to implore Congress to extend the right to vote to women
- B. to clarify the principles that guided the establishment laws in the United States
- C. to describe the role women have played in history in the United States
- D. to remind Congress of the property rights given to women
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Anthony's speech primarily aimed to advocate for women's suffrage, urging Congress to extend voting rights to women. This aligns directly with option A. Option B misinterprets the focus of the speech; while principles of governance may be mentioned, the core message is not about clarifying foundational laws. Option C inaccurately emphasizes a historical overview rather than the immediate call to action for women's voting rights. Option D, while addressing women's rights, incorrectly shifts the focus to property rights, which is not the central theme of Anthony's advocacy in this context.
Anthony's speech primarily aimed to advocate for women's suffrage, urging Congress to extend voting rights to women. This aligns directly with option A. Option B misinterprets the focus of the speech; while principles of governance may be mentioned, the core message is not about clarifying foundational laws. Option C inaccurately emphasizes a historical overview rather than the immediate call to action for women's voting rights. Option D, while addressing women's rights, incorrectly shifts the focus to property rights, which is not the central theme of Anthony's advocacy in this context.
What influenced the Gregory brothers' decision to include an exotic animal farm at their facility?
- A. the location of their property in a rural area
- B. a high expectation for a successful business
- C. the search for an appropriate boundary fence
- D. a desire to please the environmentalists
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The inclusion of an exotic animal farm is closely linked to the need for a suitable boundary fence to ensure the safety and containment of the animals. Without proper fencing, managing exotic animals poses significant risks. Option A, while highlighting the rural setting, does not directly relate to the specific needs of exotic animal care. Option B focuses on business expectations, which may influence decisions but does not address the practical requirements of animal management. Option D suggests appeasing environmentalists, yet this motivation is less relevant than the immediate necessity of securing the animals' habitat through effective fencing.
The inclusion of an exotic animal farm is closely linked to the need for a suitable boundary fence to ensure the safety and containment of the animals. Without proper fencing, managing exotic animals poses significant risks. Option A, while highlighting the rural setting, does not directly relate to the specific needs of exotic animal care. Option B focuses on business expectations, which may influence decisions but does not address the practical requirements of animal management. Option D suggests appeasing environmentalists, yet this motivation is less relevant than the immediate necessity of securing the animals' habitat through effective fencing.
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.