Small Texas Town Says "NO" to Global Discount Grocerer - Aldi

Dec. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Approximately 40 Oak Park Trails residents joined forces at the corner of Mason and Oak Park Trails Blvd. to voice opposition to a controversial grocer setting up shop in the middle of a residential community.

The Oak Park Trails Home Owners Association (OPT HOA) has carefully studied the proposed Aldi Food Store location at Oak Park Trails and Mason Road and has had several meetings with the Aldi representative.  In addition to evaluating how Aldi would fit into their neighborhood, they looked at their successes, failures and feedback that they have received across the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Based on their due diligence, OPT HOA is opposed to the planned Aldi Food Store and for very sound reasons.

“Aldi’s community culture doesn’t fit in with our neighborhood,” said president of the OPT HOA, Lisa Balkanli. “There are so many more suitable uses for the property that would be of greater benefit to the surrounding residential area.”

Many residents shared Balkanli’s opinion and held signs to voice their concerns during the rally. After researching the grocer, they identified risks to the community such as safety, a decrease in property value and health risks.

Increased traffic and the attraction of shoppers from neighborhoods in need of bare-bone prices along with other factors could endanger current residents, including the many children who live and play in the neighborhood.

“Our children are our number one priority, said insert name. An increase in traffic where Mason road is already congested could lead to tragedy. “They also sell alcohol in close proximity to churches and schools”, said Oak Park Trails resident Shaw Darwish.

In addition to concerns about safety to residents and children, property values could come under attack. Many of the OPT homes would border the new store. Light and noise pollution would not only disrupt these households, but could make the homes difficult to sell in an already depressed market.

“I understand that their deliveries would arrive at midnight”, said OPT resident, Frank Aranza, whose house borders the predetermined location for the store. “Disruptions in the middle of the night would awaken my children while they are sleeping.”

“Aldi sells low-end groceries, including produce and meat that has expired,” said OPT resident, Bruce Hewitt. “With recent produce recalls, any increased danger in food is not worth the risk.”

Although some other people in metropolitan areas who do not have the necessary resources and options may benefit from Aldi, these Katy residents do not feel that Aldi would be successful or a good fit in their neighborhood.

“We are not opposed to Aldi in neighborhoods who would benefit from discounted, low-end products,” said Balkanli. “We just don’t think it is a fit for Oak Park Trails.”

OPT residents are asking for your support, visit   https://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/stopaldi to view and sign an online petition. To view video coverage of the rally, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2UyLLjCdH4&feature=mfu_in...



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Established in 1991, Oak Park Trails is a quiet, family-oriented community with 1057 homes located in Southwest Harris County in Katy, Texas.