NEWFANE — Imagine driving up Route 30 through Newfane and Harmonyville into Townsend, and then, suddenly, the scenic splendor of Vermont turns into a typically ugly strip mall.
That is the danger of Dollar General putting up one of its stores where Lawrence's Smoke Shop is right now. The pattern of such stores is that one store of its kind encourages other such stores, and then, what was once a cultural asset is destroyed forever.
Corporations such as Dollar General drive local businesses out of business. Any savings for customers on products from lower prices are offset by increases in taxes to support the new infrastructure that will be needed to support the changing landscape of box stores infiltrating a once-beautiful location.
Dollar General has a business strategy of constructing 900 new stores, hoping that the increased number will enhance the company's stock portfolio and return higher profits to its shareholders.
The company doesn't care exactly where these stores are, just as long as there are 900 of them. The people whose job it is to open the stores will be rewarded by following the company's marching orders and will be working diligently to open as many stores as they can. They will personally be rewarded for achieving the goal.
So, they misrepresent themselves when buying property. Another name is used, because if residents from Townshend knew who was making an offer on their property, most would say no.
Townshend has been proud of not having zoning regulations. It has given the community a sense of freedom, to be sure. But without such regulations, large corporations that care nothing for the town, the area, or Vermont can exploit the lack of control and import their devastating expansion.
There is a question of whether it is too late to prevent the Dollar General deal from going through. At the recent meeting to address the situation, some offered ideas for stopping this plan in its tracks - for example, introducing zoning only for the Route 30 corridor, consistent with Townshend's town plan.
And while this is a matter for the Townshend voters, neighboring towns are concerned as well.
Things are moving fast right now. Time is of the essence. If we use our time well, we may be able to preserve what we love so much about our Vermont traditions, support our local businesses, and be Vermont strong.