Dolores County Commissioners Postpone Decision on Contentious Dollar General Permit
Table of Contents
- Dolores County Commissioners Postpone Decision on Contentious Dollar General Permit
- Developer Faces Opposition Over Proposed Dollar General Store
- History of the Dollar General Proposal
- Developer Addresses Concerns, Locals Remain Skeptical
- Detailed Presentation on Compliance
- Public Comment and Postponement
- Evergreen Insights: The Rise of Dollar Stores in Rural America
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dollar General Stores
A decision regarding a permit for a proposed Dollar General store at the intersection of colorado Highway 145 and County Road N in Dolores has been postponed by the Montezuma County Board of Commissioners following a contentious public hearing. the decision will now be released on July 8.
Developer Faces Opposition Over Proposed Dollar General Store
Douglas Kinsey, CEO of Leaf Properties, a Georgia-based developer, presented his case for a high-impact use permit to the board. The hearing, which lasted nearly three hours, included opposition from over a dozen local residents who voiced concerns about the proposed store’s impact on the community.
Kinsey argued that he was being unfairly targeted due to the unpopularity of Dollar General, stating, “There’s a group of people here – and I don’t mean this in an ugly way – but they’re trying to tell me that I can’t do something with my land that I legally have the right to do.”
Did You Know? Dollar General operates over 19,000 stores in 47 states as of early 2024, primarily targeting communities with populations of 25,000 or less (Dollar General Investor Relations).
History of the Dollar General Proposal
The current hearing was prompted by a lawsuit filed by Leaf Properties after the county Planning & Zoning Commission and county commissioners initially rejected the development proposal in April 2024. Residents cited concerns ranging from traffic safety to potential light pollution.
Leaf Properties alleged that the board failed to provide competent evidence for their decision and denied the developer due process. A judge subsequently ordered the commissioners to release a decision with written findings.
Developer Addresses Concerns, Locals Remain Skeptical
During the hearing, Kinsey presented evidence aimed at demonstrating compliance with county land-use codes and addressing previously raised issues. He highlighted that opposition seemed primarily focused on the Dollar General brand itself, rather than specific zoning violations.
Kinsey presented screenshots from a local Facebook group to illustrate the community’s disapproval of the store. He emphasized that the county’s codes did not explicitly prohibit the construction of a Dollar General.
pro Tip: When facing community opposition, developers can benefit from proactive engagement, addressing concerns transparently, and demonstrating a commitment to mitigating potential negative impacts.
Detailed Presentation on Compliance
Kinsey’s presentation included expert testimony to counter specific concerns raised by the community and the board. Vic Romano, an appraiser for Colorado Bank, testified that the development would not negatively affect property values. mary Gormley of Kimley-Horn, an engineering consulting firm, stated that traffic studies indicated no important traffic changes were expected.
Kinsey also addressed concerns about flooding, fire safety, and light pollution, asserting that the development would not pose any issues.He questioned the subjective nature of the term “rural character,” which had been used to justify the denial of the permit.
Public Comment and Postponement
Thirteen local residents voiced their opposition to the Dollar General, reiterating concerns about traffic safety and the store’s incompatibility with the community’s character. Some questioned the objectivity of Vic Romano’s appraisal, citing his affiliation with the project’s financier.
following public comments and Kinsey’s responses, the commissioners voted to postpone their decision until July 8, when they will issue a written explanation of their findings.
| Issue | Developer’s Response | Community Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Property Value | No negative impact (Colorado Bank appraisal) | Potential decrease in property values |
| traffic | No significant changes expected (Kimley-Horn study) | Increased traffic and safety risks |
| Rural Character | Compliance with zoning codes; subjective term | Incompatibility with community aesthetic |
What factors should commissioners prioritize when balancing economic development with community concerns? How can developers better engage with local residents to address their concerns proactively?
Evergreen Insights: The Rise of Dollar Stores in Rural America
The expansion of dollar stores like Dollar General and Dollar Tree into rural communities has been a significant trend in recent decades. these stores often fill a void in areas with limited retail options, providing affordable goods to underserved populations. Though, their presence can also raise concerns about competition with local businesses and the homogenization of rural landscapes. According to a report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, dollar stores disproportionately target communities experiencing economic distress, potentially exacerbating existing challenges (Institute for Local Self-Reliance).
Frequently Asked Questions About Dollar General Stores
- What is Dollar General’s target market? dollar General primarily targets low-to-middle income shoppers in small towns and rural areas.
- How many Dollar General stores are there in the United States? As of 2024, Dollar General operates over 19,000 stores across 47 states.
- What are the benefits of having a Dollar General store in a community? Dollar General stores can provide convenient access to affordable goods, create jobs, and generate local tax revenue.
- What are the potential drawbacks of Dollar General stores? Potential drawbacks include increased competition for local businesses, concerns about wages and working conditions, and the potential for negative impacts on community character.
- How do communities decide whether to allow Dollar General stores? Communities typically consider factors such as zoning regulations, community needs, potential economic impacts, and resident feedback when making decisions about Dollar General stores.
Share your thoughts on the proposed Dollar General store in Dolores County! What factors should local officials prioritize in their decision-making process?
