Katy Residents’ Holiday Wish List – No Aldi Here

Dec. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Oak Park Trails (OPT) residents are spending their holiday mobilizing opposition to the proposed Aldi store at the entrance of their subdivision by decorating their neighborhood with “Stop Aldi” signs and banners, and for good reason.

The location Mason Rd. and Oak Park Trails Blvd. where Aldi plans to build would encourage their customers to enter OPT to access the discount grocer. In an area that already fights traffic congestion, forcing consumers into a subdivision poses a major problem for residents.

“The fact that customers will be turning into our neighborhood first and then will have to wait to turn into the parking lot is going to be a nightmare,” said OPT resident, Elizabeth Pearson. “We can probably also look forward to increased auto accidents.”

Safety is on the mind of many residents. In addition to Aldi selling alcohol just outside the legal boundary from schools and churches, there is a huge possibility of increased traffic within the neighborhood.

“There are many families with children here,” said Mary Floeck. “The introduction of delivery trucks and consumer traffic to our small neighborhood will be a danger to our children”

Floeck’s husband is handicapped and often rides around the neighborhood on a scooter while walking their dog. She is concerned for his safety. She enjoys her quiet neighborhood and believes that this store will attract drivers who have no business in the neighborhood.

Additionally, residents are confused about why Aldi would want to build there in the first place. They question Aldi’s demographic research. There is already a Randall’s, HEB and Kroger in close proximity, so residents believe Aldi will not be able to compete. If the store is not successful, an empty building could lead to an increase in crime.

“The Oak Park Trails and Cinco Ranch area are quite simply not communities that would provide a good customer base to Aldi,” said OPT resident, Doug Sheen. “Aldi would not be an asset to our community, it would be a liability.”

According to the Memorial Municipal District, as of Monday, December 19, Aldi has not closed on the property. OPT residents are asking Aldi to reconsider this specific location.

“Keep our community safe and desirable for my family and residents,” pleaded Sheen.

The OPT community has banded together by creating a formal protest and an online petition with more than 500 signatures against the Aldi store location. While they would prefer spending their time celebrating the holiday with friends and family, they are rallying together to save their neighborhood.

“Increased traffic on a neighborhood access street is so unfair to the residents,” said OPT resident Mike Hafner. “Just say NO to Aldi in Oak Park Trails.”

OPT residents are asking for your support, click here to view and sign their online petition. To view video coverage from the rally earlier this month, click here.

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Established in 1991, Oak Park Trails is a quiet, family-oriented community with 1,057 homes located in Southwest Harris County in Katy, Texas.