Many poll respondents said they will shop at the new retail center opening at the site of the former Kenilworth Junior High, with the majority of those stating that they look forward to shopping at Target. Comments both for and against suggest that there are still strong feelings about change and growth. Here are some of the comments.
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“Will never shop at the shopping center that ruined Petaluma. Lived in Petaluma/Penngrove my entire life; very sad to see what Petaluma has become, just another ugly city now.”
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“Very excited to finally have shopping opportunities like Target, Sprouts, TJ Maxx, Panera and Chipotle. Will save gas money not having to drive to RP or Santa Rosa.”
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“It’s about time that I can spend my money in my town.”
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“I predict a worsening of traffic conditions and delays on East Washington – already too congested at peak times.”
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“Finally! It should have opened years ago, despite our City Council and the so-called blackmailers (neighborhood improvement association). Now we need Friedmans to get built!”
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“There’s absolutely nothing there that I have a need to buy. The traffic in and out will be so bad that most of us won’t even be able to get there. Terrible planning and layout. I wonder how many more existing stores will close because of it.”
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“Tax dollars in Petaluma … finally!
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“It will be such a pleasure to shop in Petaluma and not have to drive out of town. With the time saved, I can spend more time in Petaluma enjoying our local parks etc. It is great to know that the tax dollars I pay will improve the city’s budget. Been waiting a long time for this and can’t wait to begin shopping.”
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“I’m glad this shopping center is finally opening … I’ll still shop at all my favorite locally owned stores in Petaluma, but won’t have to spend money wasting gas and wasting time to support stores outside of our town.”
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“Good to see the dollars spent in Petaluma.”
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“I’m so glad that a Target will finally come to Petaluma. There are few places to get things like t-shirts, toilet paper and toothbrushes at reasonable prices.”
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“I can finally shop in Petaluma and not have to shop in other towns.”
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“I plan on checking out Sprouts, but am not sure if I will want to shop there regularly.”
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“It’s a long time coming! I plan on shopping all the new stores. I hope the city approves the new Walgreens proposed to go in on the vacent lot across Mc Dowell from Petaluma Valley Hospital.”