We're too sexy for our tractors
I almost forgot to thank the Midland Planning and Zoning Commission for refusing to grant a variance, thereby ensuring that a Tractor Supply Company store can't be built near the intersection of the Rankin Highway and I-20. It seems that the TSC's business model requires that a bunch of its merchandise be displayed outdoors -- the demand for indoor tractors and such being pitifully small -- and the zoning ordinance for that particular area requires that no more than 10% of a store's total space be alloted to unscreened outdoor sales.
I appreciate the Commission's diligence in protecting the pristine landscape. I'd hate to think that the rows of car washes, liquor stores, auto parts shops and oil company production offices was sullied by the sight of a $2.5 million building housing a business that would employ thirty people. I agree that the vacant grocery store is a better fit with the overall ambiance of the area.
It's no skin off my nose, really. If TSC proceeds with Plan B as described in the article -- building its store near Odessa -- the proposed location at Hwy 191 and Faudree Rd is actually easier to get to from my house than the Midland location. Still, it's too bad that the folks living in Midland south of I-20, many of whom are natural customers for the heavy duty merchandise carried by TSC, will have to drive to another county to shop there.
You mean Pottsburg, don't you? It's a common mistake.
Why'd you have so many grocery stores to begin with?
Posted by: Eric at January 18, 2007 07:07 PMHaha! The title made me laugh. :) And the bit about the demand for indoor tractors too.
Posted by: mis_nomer at January 19, 2007 12:41 AMThe Starbuck's and the McAllister's Deli on the Rankin Highway at I-20 has obviously deluded the commission members into thinking the area is about to be come the next North Midkiff, if only they can keep those eyesore farm implement displays out of the neighborhood.
Posted by: John at January 19, 2007 01:36 AMJohn, the irony is that if you asked the owners of those two businesses for their opinions, I'll bet they'd welcome the TSC store. Anything that brings increased retail traffic into the neighborhood has the potential for increasing their sales. But now, those peripheral dollars that might have been spent on a sandwich or dessert after a windmill parts shopping spree will likely go to Odessa businesses.
Now, the adjacent Wal-Mart might have a dissenting opinion...
Posted by: Eric at January 19, 2007 06:38 AMObviously the committee hasn't been in a Tractor Supply Company.
They are the coolest stores!
Posted by: Janie at January 19, 2007 09:05 AMWhy'd you have so many grocery stores to begin with?
Because it made absolutely no sense whatsoever, silly.
Posted by: Jim at January 19, 2007 10:21 AMI don't mean to offend you, but (how) will this impact Kenny Chesney?
Posted by: soccer dad at January 19, 2007 12:11 PMThe only way you'd offend me is if you implied that I listen to Kenny Chesney's music. ;-)
Posted by: Eric at January 19, 2007 12:26 PMAbout the publisher
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Someday you'll learn to appreciate vacant grocery stores... and when you do, you can move to Pottstown where we have one every five or six blocks.
Posted by: Jim at January 18, 2007 06:56 PM