Gettysburg Super Walmart

[mofederal]

Wal Mart is not so above board and honest as they claim. They still tend to treat their employees bad, I remember that lawsuit, where was it? PA. Maybe Gettysburg will remember that. When Sam was alive they acted a lot different. Sam grew up about 10 miles from my old house in Northeast Missouri. I knew people who went to high school and college with him. His kids care about profits only. They do make a lot of money, so they waste a lot too. Everybody needs a hobby, theirs are sports teams. The problem with Wal Mart is they built all of the old buildings, and then abandon them, for the Super Wal Mart concept. They abandoned two in this town, well actually three, and they still don't own the land the current one is sitting on. The first two they did. One of the buildings is empty due to another closed company Toys "R" Us. Sears is next in line for closing in Sept-Oct. The problem is the way Wal Mart operates. They just don't care about local history, no matter how big or little. Twice here they built on former swamps, they had engineers, but they always had a problem with water. Maybe people need to understand progress can come with a large price tag. Gettysburg needs a real wake up call. Without tourism, what would Gettysburg be, just another struggling small town. I guess the best we can do anymore is to build a store that while it sells all of these American made products, it also sells a lot of Chinese junk. I can remember when it was Japanese and Taiwanese junk. If people want to remember things tell them to take photos of things around town now for in 10 to 20 years they might not like the progress that will come. So much for memories. A land locked battlefield surrounded by so called "progress." Nothing like looking at a battlefield vista ruined by a big Super Wal Mart on the horizon. Yes I buy there, but with all of these old local businesses no longer in operation, you have to go somewhere.

 

[Legion Para]

We enjoy going to a small family owned hardware store for many items. We know them on a first name basis. They have exceptional customer service and have tailored their inventory to fit their niche. Same with feed/ seed I go to the local mill. Lumber/ building supplies I go to small local up in Newville. Appliance parts/repairs, there a great small business for that in New Oxford. By local when and where we can but for some big stuff like appliances its off to Hanover and the box stores.
Given the local job market my two daughters will most likely not be staying in this area when they fully leave the nest.

 

[wilber6150]

I find what is happening within the town itself far worse then a walmart being built on land that many wouldn't even think had a part in the battle..Gettysburg, with the exception of a few excellent shops, is just a bunch of ghost tour businesses and t shirt shops.

 

[wilber6150]

Wal Mart is not so above board and honest as they claim. They still tend to treat their employees bad, I remember that lawsuit, where was it? PA. Maybe Gettysburg will remember that. When Sam was alive they acted a lot different. Sam grew up about 10 miles from my old house in Northeast Missouri. I knew people who went to high school and college with him. His kids care about profits only. They do make a lot of money, so they waste a lot too. Everybody needs a hobby, theirs are sports teams. The problem with Wal Mart is they built all of the old buildings, and then abandon them, for the Super Wal Mart concept. They abandoned two in this town, well actually three, and they still don't own the land the current one is sitting on. The first two they did. One of the buildings is empty due to another closed company Toys "R" Us. Sears is next in line for closing in Sept-Oct. The problem is the way Wal Mart operates. They just don't care about local history, no matter how big or little. Twice here they built on former swamps, they had engineers, but they always had a problem with water. Maybe people need to understand progress can come with a large price tag. Gettysburg needs a real wake up call. Without tourism, what would Gettysburg be, just another struggling small town. I guess the best we can do anymore is to build a store that while it sells all of these American made products, it also sells a lot of Chinese junk. I can remember when it was Japanese and Taiwanese junk. If people want to remember things tell them to take photos of things around town now for in 10 to 20 years they might not like the progress that will come. So much for memories. A land locked battlefield surrounded by so called "progress." Nothing like looking at a battlefield vista ruined by a big Super Wal Mart on the horizon. Yes I buy there, but with all of these old local businesses no longer in operation, you have to go somewhere.

As a long term associate, I can tell you that walmart now treats its people far better then it has ever done in the past;even when the mystical Sam Walton was still alive...

 

[Irishtom29]

As a long term associate, I can tell you that walmart now treats its people far better then it has ever done in the past;even when the mystical Sam Walton was still alive...

An associate? Do you do business with Walmart?

 

[RebelWeber]

Do we really need another Walmart anywhere in the USA ?

 

[Package4]

An associate? Do you do business with Walmart?

An associate is an employee....

 

[Package4]

Do we really need another Walmart anywhere in the USA ?

Actually yes, for those who do not have prescription insurance or plan, Walmart is a very very good place to go. I am lucky to have a plan, but in case I decided to step down to a lower stress position, I looked at many available options. Many of their medicines are only $4 per month...…..

 

[Package4]

Wal Mart is not so above board and honest as they claim. They still tend to treat their employees bad, I remember that lawsuit, where was it? PA. Maybe Gettysburg will remember that. When Sam was alive they acted a lot different. Sam grew up about 10 miles from my old house in Northeast Missouri. I knew people who went to high school and college with him. His kids care about profits only. They do make a lot of money, so they waste a lot too. Everybody needs a hobby, theirs are sports teams. The problem with Wal Mart is they built all of the old buildings, and then abandon them, for the Super Wal Mart concept. They abandoned two in this town, well actually three, and they still don't own the land the current one is sitting on. The first two they did. One of the buildings is empty due to another closed company Toys "R" Us. Sears is next in line for closing in Sept-Oct. The problem is the way Wal Mart operates. They just don't care about local history, no matter how big or little. Twice here they built on former swamps, they had engineers, but they always had a problem with water. Maybe people need to understand progress can come with a large price tag. Gettysburg needs a real wake up call. Without tourism, what would Gettysburg be, just another struggling small town. I guess the best we can do anymore is to build a store that while it sells all of these American made products, it also sells a lot of Chinese junk. I can remember when it was Japanese and Taiwanese junk. If people want to remember things tell them to take photos of things around town now for in 10 to 20 years they might not like the progress that will come. So much for memories. A land locked battlefield surrounded by so called "progress." Nothing like looking at a battlefield vista ruined by a big Super Wal Mart on the horizon. Yes I buy there, but with all of these old local businesses no longer in operation, you have to go somewhere.

The Walmart is going across the street from the current one, actually behind another shopping center, so the "vista" has already been ruined. The only issue that I have is if it encroaches on Benner's Hill or the Daniel Lady Farm. I'll be up there on Friday and find out the exact location in question and get an idea of the locals from Wes Small of the Horse Soldier, Jamie Miller of O'Rourke's and Tim & Debbie Sheads of S&S. Small sample size, but all business owners associated with Gettysburg tourist trade.

 

[Irishtom29]

Do we really need another Walmart anywhere in the USA ?

Absolutely in San Antonio, where the grocery store market is dominated by lousy HEB stores. I never thought a Walmart would be a superior store but here it is.

 

[Package4]

Unfortunately or fortunately Gettysburg has very little industry, other than the tourist trade, if the battle had occurred elsewhere it is doubtful that the town would even have a Walmart.

The point being, that the battle and battlefield have made Gettysburg what it is, other than the college there is little there. The placement of any structure that mars the vista from the field should be studied carefully, once it is built, it is there to stay. I know the hotel where the 8th Ohio stood is now gone and there are efforts to remove more structures (McDonalds etc) around the field to bring it back to the '63 appearance and I am in favor. Where the vista is ruined for good, North of the field let them build within certain limits with an architectural study and covenant.

 

[Jimklag]

I believe that if the Super-Walmart is not on actual hallowed ground, the only consideration should be whether Gettysburg/Adams county is better off with or without it. I and a lot of you all tend to overreact, particularly in the case of Walmart it seems, to businesses wanting to build near battlefields. Walmarts and other businesses are not intrinsically bad places - they are necessary to growing communities. I can't tell from the maps in the OP the exact proposed location for the superstore, but if it is not actually on the battlefield, I see no reason not to let it go forward if the local citizens want it.

 

[Package4]

I believe that if the Super-Walmart is not on actual hallowed ground, the only consideration should be whether Gettysburg/Adams county is better off with or without it. I and a lot of you all tend to overreact, particularly in the case of Walmart it seems, to businesses wanting to build near battlefields. Walmarts and other businesses are not intrinsically bad places - they are necessary to growing communities. I can't tell from the maps in the OP the exact proposed location for the superstore, but if it is no actually on the battlefield, I see no reason not to let it go forward if the local citizens want it.

I think within limits you are correct, but there are areas very close to the battlefield that are privately owned and if built upon would ruin the experience for all. What if someone decided to buy the Gettysburg Battle Theater property across from the Bryan House and erect a 5 story hotel? I am sure there are architectural covenants prohibiting building height, but maybe not...…..where do we draw the line?

 

[Jimklag]

I think within limits you are correct, but there are areas very close to the battlefield that are privately owned and if built upon would ruin the experience for all. What if someone decided to buy the Gettysburg Battle Theater property across from the Bryan House and erect a 5 story hotel? I am sure there are architectural covenants prohibiting building height, but maybe not...…..where do we draw the line?

It depends on what you mean by "ruin the experience." Except for people who live in the area, the rest of us are all interlopers. If I lived in Gettysburg, Civil War maven or not, I would be offended by outsiders telling me what I can and can't do with my property. The purpose of the National Battlefields is to preserve the history that took place there. Building a Walmart a couple miles away in no way impacts that historical preservation. I would argue that the ubiquitous tourist buses driving around the battlefield "ruin the experience" much more than a 5-story building across the street from the Bryan House would.

 

[wilber6150]

The only difference between a walmart and a super walmart, is the inclusion of a full grocery area. The new building itself might not be that much bigger then the current one..Typical size increases are about 1/4 or 1/3 more. All depends on how much growth they see in the area..I don't remember much in the area there in regards to grocery stores, so might not be bad for the community.

 

[wilber6150]

It should be up to the locals. If they want change and are ready to move on then who are we to criticize? Right?

Robert P How the heck are you my friend..

 

[RobertP]

Robert P How the heck are you my friend..

Doing good, Wilber. Long time, no see. Hope you and family are well, especially those twins!

 

[wilber6150]

Doing good, Wilber. Long time, no see. Hope you and family are well, especially those twins!

Thank you for asking, families doing really well.. I hope yours is as well my friend..

 

[Package4]

Had a very interesting visit to Gettysburg on Friday and as expected opinions are all over the map (pun intended). I will not divulge names as there is much more to this story than originally thought.

According to very reliable sources, the land where the proposed Super Walmart will reside, is very close to the Synnamon's home (he is the individual interviewed in the original post). 250 Natural Springs Road Gettysburg, PA is the address. Now more makes sense, in fact one very credible individual said that during the Casino fiasco the GBPA was in favor and that Bill Synnamon was allegedly promised a cigar shop in the casino...…..his son at the time was the president of the GBPA as he is again in 2018. The GBPA lost quite a bit of support as a result. Please read the below for more:

http://civilwarcavalry.com/?p=2174 @Eric Wittenberg was this your wonderful article/"rant"? The author asked what the payoff was and from what I understand the price was allegedly, a cigar shop......

Others thought that since there was already development there, that it did not make sense to block it (the land in question is directly behind the existing Giant Food Store).

The politics and greed that emanate from this issue are grotesque in my opinion and I hope saner heads will prevail. The current area is on Camp Letterman, but the vista has already been damaged beyond repair and the Super Walmart will not damage it further, though the Synnamon's home will not have their present vista.

I would suggest that Walmart fund an archaeological review, collect relics, if any remain after decades of relic hunting and commence with their shopping center. Karma, it seems may come back and bite the Synnamons.

 

[EJ Zander]

Thanks for the follow up post. Yup, welcome to G-burg.