On Target

February 18, 2001

Dear Editor,

Frank Gruber's got to be kidding ("Panic in the Streets," February 16). Obviously he hasn't been downtown at any hour after noon time. It is now ridiculous.

I use the parking lot where Target is built because I cannot find a spot in the public lots and I cannot get through any of the lights without waiting two or three changes.

I love Target but to say that Target will not make things worse is denial at best and foolish at worst. Santa Monica is suffering from too much success. It is definitely going to get worse. The only question is how much worse and how fast.

February 16, 2001

Dear Editor,

As a mother with an 11 year-old boy, I believe we should have a Target in Santa Monica. Is Sears going to be the ONLY choice for affordable shopping??

I live right on the corner of Montana Avenue -- when I need something little for around the house, etc., I DON'T run up the street to a Montana boutique.

While I totally enjoy the boutiques, Santa Monica should have a TARGET for our everyday shopping needs!

Thank you.

February 16, 2001

Dear Editor,

And here's another argument for Target -- it would likely be the only downtown retailer to actively support the Transit Mall.

February 13, 2001

Dear Editor,

The time for a decision on whether or not Santa Monica will have a Target store is near. To me, this is a no-brainer: It is an emphatic "yes."

1. We need a large general merchandise store for affordable shopping. Most of us now go to Targets or K-Marts out of town or Costco in the Marina. It would be nice to have something else locally besides Sears. And it would be nice to keep the millions of dollars in sales tax revenue here in Santa Monica.

2. The store is half the size of what could be built on this site if Target does not go in. Those whining about traffic and congestion should think of six floors vs. Target's three floors and 162,000 square feet of space vs. over 337,000, which could be built on the site under present zoning. Whiners should think about 700 apartments or five floors of offices or 500 hotel rooms all with first floor retail boutiques permitted under the current zoning. Imagine the traffic nightmare that some of these Target-alternatives will generate. And, this might be the last chance -- ever -- for a store of this type to come into our community.

3. Target is willing to spend millions of dollars to help mitigate traffic and we all know that the store is going to generate traffic. But, if the traffic is handled the way it should be, it will cause less problems then the present metered parking on 4th Street causes, now, or the upcoming transit mall or the medians planned for the length of Wilshire Boulevard will cause. But, I guess these little "traffic improvement" projects have escaped the notice of the traffic whiners.

4. The site is zoned for exactly this kind of project -- only one that could be much larger. A Target store is most appropriate for this downtown locale which is two blocks from the freeway and close to two freeway off/on ramps. Plenty of parking will be provided and it should nicely compliment the Third Street Promenade with its pricey specialty shops and the "down-to-earth" Sears.

5. Target is a good neighbor. The store also provides good merchandise at a fair price. They stand behind what they sell and guarantee customer satisfaction. They will hire some 400 workers and pay them a fair wage and excellent benefits. And, Target has bent over backwards to work with the City and its residents to address all issues from traffic to parking lot access after hours, from transit-friendly features to "green" construction and from a free "community room" to classic street-friendly facade. They will also provide financial support to our schools and local charities in the form of cash and other donations.

It's time to move forward and end the bickering and extortion. It's time to stop making union-shop demands, housing demands and spreading malicious rumors about the sweatshops that Target doesn't buy from. It's time this City Council did something for the whole of the community.

Give is affordable shopping from a company that cares about the community. Give us a store that is half the size of what could be built on the site.

This is a great deal for all of us. Approve the Target store!

February 13, 2001

Dear Editor,

I'm quite pleased for Peter Davison (see last week's letters) that he and his family are able to find everything they want in Santa Monica today. Some of the rest of us are not so content.

I routinely drive to Culver City to shop at Target and would prefer to have the opportunity to shop in Santa Monica where I live. There is a need for more affordable shoping in Santa Monica. Anyone who surveys the shops in the downtown area will discover this.

I would welcome Target in Santa Monica.

Dear Editor,

When I read about yet another pedestrian accident in Santa Monica & I remember that Ralph Nader rarely gets into a car these days, & I realize the lights on Wilshire Blvd. are timed so the yuppies can get home in time to watch the latest "Survivor" show on TV....

Maybe the new Target will slow these maniacs down. I have concluded that I won't car into the downtown area anymore; I now use my $35 bicycle & get some exercise to boot.

Why can't the traffic light at 6th & Wilshire be slowed down 4 to 7 seconds. There are a lot of seniors who are on walkers & people struggling with canes who can't make it.

Since the City's traffic engineer won't respond favorably, I'm having some fun by trying to involve the U.S. Attorney, the Dept. of Justice, & the Americans with disabilities act. I foresee the whole downtown Santa Monica area becoming a walking mall someday, from 6th St. to the ocean & we could use shuttles to help out.

George George
Santa Monica