LA city planning committee approves temporary ban on retail giants in Chinatown
Michael Katz / KPCC
The new Walmart is slated for the ground floor of this building on Grand and Cesar Chavez Avenues.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — This week, a L.A. city planning committee passed a temporary ban on large retail chains moving into the Chinatown area -- but even if approved by the city council, the effort comes too late to halt development of the Walmart planned for the outskirts of this Downtown district.
KPCC reports that the ban was introduced by Councilman Ed Reyes in reaction to Walmart's new "Neighborhood Store" slotted for the bottom floor of a residential building on Cesar Chavez Avenue; but the retail giant secured building permits for the location prior to the proposal, so it will not be affected by the possible ban.
“Permits have been issued for a formula retail use larger than 20,000 square feet in Chinatown, and additional permits could be approved for similar uses,” said Reyes, according to KPCC. “If the city does not act, these large formula retail uses will endanger the viability of Chinatown’s small businesses and threaten the unique and historic character of the neighborhood.”
The Planning Department defines Chinatown as the area bordered by the 110 to the west, Sunset Boulevard/Cesar Chavez Ave to the south, Main and Alameda streets to the east and Cottage Home Street to the north. The proposed ban would prevent future retail stores, 20,000-square-feet or larger, from opening within this area.
The proposal comes on the heels of vehement reactions from Downtown residents to their new Walmart neighbor. People protesting the retail giant say the 33,000-square-foot store will negatively impact the small businesses in the area, as well as the local culture.
“Growing up here, it’s very much like a close family because all the kids go to school together, and so we go to all the same shops, same supermarkets,” Chinatown resident Tanira Chau, 18, told Blogdowntown at a protest this summer. “If Walmart’s here, it’s like ‘Let’s just go to Walmart and get something’ … it’s bringing our culture down.”
Walmart's "Neighborhood Markets" are streamlined versions of the massive stores, selling mostly groceries and pharmaceuticals. While some say their extremely competitive pricing would undercut other local businesses, many area residents welcome the availability of produce and food items.
Jimmy Lam, who lives in the Orsini apartment complex down the street from the proposed Walmart, said he'd welcome the additional market option.
"That would be good," Lam told Blogdowntown this month. about the new Walmart. "I would be able to walk [instead of] having to drive to the store."
The ban on chain retailers was passed with a 2 to 1 vote on Tuesday by the Planning and Land Use Management committee, and will move next to vote before the full L.A. City Council.
C D W on August 23, 2012, at 11:34AM – #1
This is so ridiculous and makes me re-think my vote for Huizar. Just because you don't like a company, you're going to change regulations? What if Apple said they were opening a store in Chinatown? Would they have the same reaction? Chinatown should be THANKING Walmart for wanting to open a grocery store in their neighborhood. How about starting by cleaning up the sidewalks here first?? Chinatown is gross. Merchandise strewn to the sidewalks so bad you can hardly walk through like some 3rd world country. Do they really think the "mom and pops" in Chinatown are offering health insurance and paying their taxes properly?
Why didn't they fight Target at 7th & Fig. Aren't they afraid it'll put on the crap on Broadway out of business? What about these poor stores on Broadway that sell 10 pairs of socks for $10. What will Target do to them??
Poppy on August 23, 2012, at 12:44PM – #2
People who give their money to Walmart don't make the connection: they are damaging America -mfg/jobs in America disappear -that $5 buck 'bargain' --made by foreign worker paid $.72 per Day --Maybe, purchase = buyer also exploiting that worker -'special' tax breaks break communities where Walmart goes -wages stay down --they "donate" to politicians to get what THEY want = always More for Walmart -employees: get Food Stamp application, in case they want to EAT --state gets the bill
BE the change you want to see: buy local, support your Neighbors, not Billionaires
C D W on August 23, 2012, at 02:58PM – #3
I don't shop at Walmart. Never have never will. But I also believe in our society any legitimate and legal business ought to be able to open where they want. Where was all the merchandise spread out all over the streets in Chinatown made? American mfg jobs? I don't think so. At least the Walmarts of America are paying a wage. How much is the Mom & Pop shop paying their 12 year old behind the counter? How much is the Mom & Pop shop paying in taxes?
film rob on August 23, 2012, at 08:53PM – #4
C D W is rt.... also I wonder if those small businesses are paying tax accurately. Does everyone working in these stores paid above the table within payroll? (worker comp, company tax and filed correctly).
John G on August 24, 2012, at 07:49AM – #5
Poppy, do you know anything about globalization and supply chains? Your paternalistic views about taking care of American jobs is overly idealistic and almost irresponsible. You seem to be clueless how the dynamics of running a profitable business works. Investing in American jobs is VERY IMPORTANT, and yet you truly believe that our economy is a ZERO-SUM game where outsourced jobs is the main culprit of our problems. You neglect to consider changing technology, changing demographics, and our failing education system that also affects our knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). You see everything like some structured SIM city game where government has the best ability to CONTROL people's needs, wants, and welfare. That's not true. People will always tend to seek things in their best self-interest; rich and poor. Get a clue. You should try living in another country sometime, it should open your eyes...
BTW, I absolutely agree with C D W. If the city imposed this ban, why, at the least, couldn't they have also placed more policies that would actually PROMOTE more small businesses in Chinatown? (or at least provide better economic opportunities).
Ed Reyes will not get my vote in the future...
Louie Cuevas on August 24, 2012, at 10:19AM – #6
Chinatown has always been a run down neighborhood and now the City is planning on keeping it that way.
Poppy on August 24, 2012, at 11:25AM – #7
John G "...paternalistic views...American jobs is overly idealistic and almost irresponsible" ?? --From your "hip" vocabulary -to Assumptions about my career history & residential locations -to Mis-read what I wrote, WHO is "paternalistic?? 1st you rant on govt, then you decry failure to "placed more policies that would actually PROMOTE more small businesses in Chinatown"?? Govt "policy" Does Not cover "Promotion" --Certainly NOT proper Govt "policy" to PROMOTE One community. --You don't Know that --you don't, apparently understand How govt functions. Ergo, waste of my grey cells to debate the uh, disadvantaged, but for Others:
a) WHAT does a giant multi-national Chain Do with its vast wealth: "donate" on politicians to ensure advantageous business = low wages, low taxes. e.g., Gov. Scott Walker, faced with state deficit, still decided Walmart MUST have "tax break" to Continue with their Existing plan to open store in his state. duh But why? Walmart was already in Construction.
b.) You 'vote' with every purchase; you want to 'save' $.80 --choose the chain over local farmer -manufacturer -designer, okay, when grandchildren choice between giant Walmart -sm Walmart or hole-in-the-walls --betw farmed animal -GMO produce -alternate NONE -exploited foreign worker or NONE, blame will be on THIS gen.
c.)What LOCAL biz does biz Walmart way: 1. Walmart will lower prices until competition is driven out of business, then, Tada, prices go back Up! 2. Walmart gives their employees: Food Stamp application --in case they want FOOD, Walmart wages/hours too low to afford = state gets the bill = passed to taxpayers.
I have friends in countries all over the world, with whom I've had long visits; I've Owned three businesses --govt wasn't offering "policy to promote" in any of the areas of my biz locations.
No law Prevents you -me -All from getting involved in local education --Demand schools educate to meet demands of LOCAL real world. As for "...stuff all over the sidewalk" --vibrant places All over the world do that; for those who believe ALL should look the same: sad for you, for the rest of us --vive la difference!
C D W on August 24, 2012, at 11:47AM – #8
I'm getting 2 things from Poppy's non-sensical ramblings...
Poppy would like us all to buy a Gateway computer next because Apple is too successful. Heaven forbid a company be successful in what they do.
Poppy can probably be found wherever the Occupy LA camp is for the night.
Poppy - you never answered my questions about where you think all the Mom & Pop shops in Chinatown get their merchandise. You claimed Walmart is bad because many products are made overseas. Where was the crap in Chinatown made? Riverside??
Poppy - Walmart is offering food stamps. That's nice of them. What are the Mom & Pop shops in Chinatown offering their employees for benefits???
Like I said. I don't shop at Walmart and most likely never will. It's not what I like. But people should be given options and who is our government to say, nope, you're too successful, you can't open here. Again, Chinatown should be thanking Walmart for even wanting to open in their neighborhood, even though their location is slightly outside of the core of Chinatown.
John G on August 24, 2012, at 01:52PM – #9
@ Poppy -
You obviously are PATERNALISTIC in your societal views, considering all the rambling and hogwash you throw out. You think I'm being ironic for ranting on govt. and then ask for more policies on promotion? As I said, AT THE LEAST, that's what they SHOULD do if they are going to screw future businesses by banning large retail chains.
a) So Walmart "donates" to politicians? The most liberal lobbysist groups (I'm sure many who side with your views) are some of the largest campaign donors in this country!
b) So you blame Walmart for exploiting foreign workers? Even your statement "-that $5 buck 'bargain' --made by foreign worker paid $.72 per Day " is A JOKE!!! You obviously can't tell the difference between an apple and an orange. In many countries, that $.72 day has much more purchasing power in their local economy than the alternative means of income available to these workers. I'm not saying foreign workers are never exploited. They have been. But your grey cells automatically dwells on the myth that it's ALL the large corporation's fault.
c) You state "Walmart wages/hours too low to afford = state gets the bill = passed to taxpayers"
How about -
1)INCOMPETENT LIBERAL POLITICIANS grab taxpayer's money =
2) Tax money is used for social/welfare programs, ESPECIALLY for programs that will gather the most votes in the next elections =
3)Incompetent politicians realize most money spent (wasted) doesn't give back a reasonable return on the city's long-term needs =
4)Politicians cleverly mask their incompetencies by demanding the private market to subsidize the poor (developers must provide low-income housing, large corporations must provide more employee benefits to match living costs, etc. etc.)
You say you have friends from all over the world and have had long visits. So have I, and I will state that opportunities are always created within the person seeking it. Too bad government didn't promote your business. Government also didn't support my vending machine business which I had several years ago. I sold my route but you won't see me bitching and complaining about. I also lost money on a business partnership (Juice Bar business) inside an L.A. Fitness gym.
If larger companies can provide better service and better prices, the better for the consumer. If we want small businesses to thrive, then we must provide opportunities for them as well. BUT YOU CANNOT just tell people to buy in small and local shops because that is NOT how our free society works. People will always value service and quality at the best possible price.
John G on August 24, 2012, at 02:06PM – #10
@ Poppy - "Govt "policy" Does Not cover "Promotion" --Certainly NOT proper Govt "policy" to PROMOTE One community. --You don't Know that --you don't, apparently understand How govt functions"
Obviously the city government targeted a SPECIFIC industry (large retail chains) in a SPECIFIC community (Chinatown). It is you who apparently is in denial on how govt functions!
Rosie Escarcega on August 24, 2012, at 03:53PM – #11
I've lived in that area all my life, the Orsini bought our property, on Bunkerhill and Boston Street, we picked up and moved two blocks North to Figueroa and Bartlett. There are no grocery stores in the area, no shopping store beside the CVS on Sunset and the Wallgreens in Echo Park. It would be great to have a Walmart in the area, the neighbors can walk to Walmart it's a good thing. I welcome the store, I hope it's a Super Walmart so we can buy groceries too. The protesters are people who probably don't live in our neighborhood, so stay away. Also, Walmart won't be selling the same products as Chinatown, which is actually centered about a half mile North of where the Walmart will be located. This Walmart will also be easy access to the employees who work Downtown,it's going to be great, more jobs, less hassel just to go buy simple household items.