well if residents in North Reading feel this strongly about Ocean State Job Lot not moving into the former Stop & Shop ~they didn't want Christmas tree shop to move in their either-how about some suggestions to what they would like to have move in there!

With obvious concerns stated I think we could encourage town growth and a certainly create local appeal with a Whole Foods market, a garden center, theaters, or any type of indoor recreational facility.

The decision Stop and Shop made to move to the new location, I feel was made to prevent any competition
from moving into the other store. They now have control over what type of business moves into the new location. Their new store is such a downgrade. The doors to get in and out are a fire hazard. No more than one person can get in or out at a time. I don't know how they past inspection. Their prices are outrageous. I find myself going to Wilmington to pick up milk because personally I'd rather pay more for gas than shop in Stop and Shop.

How about a bookstore, or a toy store. How about a learning express. The space could easily be divided into 2 spaces, and more if they are willing to put some effort into it. We aren't going to get big name stores, but we can make the area more appealing so when we do try to improve our town we have positive, attractive improvement to point to. I didn't know that we had actually denied Christmas Tree shops from moving in, I for one would support a CTS, however I would prefer shops that sell things that we don't already sell in this town, low cost junk.

Stop and Shop made the move specifically to block another grocer from coming into town.

I agree with Cheryl, the exits and entrances are ridiculously narrow. I no longer shop at the stop& Shop. They are manipulating the town, in order to only have Stop& Shop the only grocery store in town. I agree with Heather also and the idea to have something that adds to our community instead of taking away from the small town feel of North Reading! I personally did not choose to live on Rte.1 for many reasons. Do we really want North Reading to be like Rte.1? I don't!

Why in the world would residents put the squash onThe Christmas Tree shop?

My Family is currently planning on moving within North Reading. We are so dissapointed that an Ocean State Job Lot could be coming to town. I agree with those who have left comments about various stores that could use that site to upgrade our town, not add to the ambiance of junk. I agree with a boycott of Stop and Shop I don't use them anyway, too overpriced!!!

Stop and shop should not have moved .... I shop there much less now because the location is inconvenient... I wonder if they've noticed a drop in sales? As far as OSJL goes, those types of stores are popping up everywhere ..... how much junk do people need?

Before everyone goes crazy with speculation, why don't we just stick to facts?

Where was it ever said that Christmas Tree Shop wanted to come in? Christmas Tree Shop was only a rumor and as far as I know, it never went beyond that. Ocean State Job Lot is the only company ever substantiated to be looking at this space seriously. Donna's first comment was merely saying that if people don't want Ocean State Job Lot to come into town, they wouldn't have wanted Christmas Tree shop either. I can't disagree with that idea as they're not very different in how they do business.

Let's also stop suggesting other food companies. It's clear that Stop N Shop made this whole move so that they could continue to monopolize food shopping in North Reading. Guess what...they succeeded! They own the available property now and as John Intorcio suggested, they can do whatever they want as long as they abide by the laws currently in place. Stop N Shop is going to do whatever they see fit and there's little that anyone can do to stop that. The Stop N Shop people are not fools, as evidenced by this power play of theirs. They know that if they bring in something like Ocean State Job Lot, people are going to complain for a while, but ultimately apathy will win the day.

If you don't like what's happening, do something. Show up at any related hearings, boycott Stop N Shop if it makes you feel better and get involved. At this point though, wish lists are pretty pointless.

The lack of any sort of downtown/main street has been one of my biggest disappointments with N. Reading...and I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment in the article - the collection of liquor stores, fast food restaurants, and grim strip malls is depressing. An Ocean State Job Lot would add another layer of sadness to this...though, I would argue any "big box store" would be just as uninspiring.

Hippy unrealistic suggestion: tear it down, create a park.

I don't think Stop and Shop made a wise decision. I believe Stop and Shop lost a lot of business and will continue to loose business by the lack of caring they have for the town they are trying to monopolize. Willmington is not that far to shop and the money you save will more than make up for the money you spend in gas. Hopefully we never have an emergency where you have to exit that store quickly because that would create complete chaos.

Heres an idea how about a grocery store that doesn't charge an arm and a leg....tired of having to drive out of town for groceries! Of course Stop and Shop would never do because they'd probably go out of business but it's a nice idea.

Unless we all stop complaining and take action like a boycott big business will rule over our wishes. Complacency breeds what you fear.

My family now shops much less at Stop & Shop as a result of the anti-competitive move by the company to keep another food store from moving into town. The new store is small, cramped, inconveniently located, and the doors are the most ridiculous thing I have ever experienced at any retail store. Market Basket in Reading and Middleton are both much better stores and far less expensive. The only way to send a message to Stop & Shop is to stop shopping there.

Stop and Shop Site is a 21 acre site in the Middle of our Main Street and would be the perfect location for a mixed use development like Legacy Place or Mashpee Commons. The Town should work with Stop and Shop and encourage them to redevelop the site should maintain the small town feel, but have space for smaller retailers, open space, activities, office space...etc. This would take some up front investment, but it will result more revenue for Stop and Shop and the town as this type of development can lead to further improvements along the entire commercial corridor.

Let me start by saynig Ocean State Job Lot is a great store. I have been to the one in Danvers many times.
I would be willing to bet most of you who are against the store coming to Town have never been in one of their stores. They are clean well kept and a great value. I read that someone thought there might be an enterance and exit issue. Well there are two enterances and exits to the property and the one on Rt. 28 has a traffic light so I see no problem with enterance and exit. I think a discount store would be good for the residents especially the senior citizens and those on a fixed income. If this store opens it will bring people to the area and that is good for ALL the businesses in the area. People have all kinds of ideas on what they would like to see go in this area. That is good but it is another thing to get someone to build it or open a new business in this economy.

The economy is not the issue for Stop and Shop. Why would a store spend money on renovating their company owned store and then move out to a smaller leased location that has proven to be difficult for retail groceries? They would do that to preserve their monopoly and stifle competition. In this economy, they would rather risk the chance that their property would remain vacant than have a competitor move in to nearby location. While I hoping that a Whole Foods or Trader Joes would move in to the Atlantic Plaza, I am disgusted as to how Stop and Shop played the monopoly game.

I have been really impressed with the comments in this discussion. It's obviously a hot topic, but the level of discourse has been excellent on here.

We are launching blogs on North Reading Patch next week and I think many of you would be great as bloggers on Patch. If you want to find out more (the time commitment would be up to you), email me at les@patch.com and we can talk about it. Thank you.

I have four words for the residents of North Reading: Boycott Stop and Shop! Granted it is true that we live ina democratic society where individuals and corporations are allowed to sell or lease their properties to whomever they will within legal parameters. However, as educated, democratic citizens it is the burden and expectation, that we, community members, will band together our collective wisdom and make informed, educated, decisions that will benefit our community in the long term as well as the short term. I am disppointed and utterly shocked that the wise officials and citizens of North Reading would quietly sit back and let Stop and Shop monopolize not only our community
(by deciding what retialers they will let into their open space) but also monopoloze our economic choices. I would like to know dear selectmen(ESPECIALLY SELECTMAN PRISCO) how is sTop and Shop vested in our community? What kind of monopolistic currenncy impart to our community that they are allowed so much leverage in making decisions that will impact ouir community in such drastic ways. All too often when I see community events that are sponsored, I see local business like the Horseshoe Grille, Marios' Restaurant and so many others listed as contributors and rarely see Stop and Shop listed????

Why is it given the current demographics of our community that we are not being offered such retail choices as Whole Foods or TRader Joe's? As soon as Stop and Shop relocated

in order to prevent any other supermarket choices(e.g. MArket Basket, Trader JOe's, WHole
Foods, Etc.) their stock was greatly downsized. The current parking lot of the newly relocated Stop and SHop is treacherous. I witnessed an old woman get pinned behind a carriage as someone in a car was trying to navigate a too tighly landscaped parking lot. I refuse to bring my infant shopping with me there as I feel it is completely dangerous and know many other mothers who also agree. Their prices have gone up and they also no longer carry so many items critical to my household needs. I am utterly disgusted by the move they made and feel that has impacted not only the community of North Reading but also our neighboring communities. I choose to shop now in our neighboring communiti es rather than in North Reading for all these reasons. It is too bad. I spend more money and more in doing so, but feel that Stop and Shop burned its bridges with my patronage when it has continued to make these negative decisions impacting our community.

To think the next "New Resident" of North Reading will be Ocean State Job Lots has left me completely outraged. Do all of the hardworking residents of North Realize the swan dive your property values are going to take with the arrival of Ocean State Job Lots? As if any of us need to take any further economic hits..... Most importantly, do any of you (especially wise selectmen) realize where OCean State Job Lots GETS ITS INVENTORY???? IF YOU DID, NO ONE WOULD SHOP THERE....INFORMED CONSUMERS...DO YOU LIKE BUYING DISOCNTINUED PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN LEAD THAT WILL CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE IN YOUR CHILDREN, DO YOU LIKE TO BUY PRODUCTS THAT HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED FOR SAFETY REASONS??? MOST OF THEIR INVENTORY IS GAINED FROM BUYING LIQUIDATED INVENTORY FROM COMMERCIAL FIRES OR PLACES WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS. OCEAN STATE JOB LOTS BUYS THE INVENTORY CHEAP(REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE.....YOU ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...) AND THEN RESELLS IT AS A PROFIT. WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN YOU BUY IT IS THAT THE PRODUCT COULD BE LADEN WITH LEAD, NICOTINE, CARCINOGENIC CONTAMINANTS, AND OTHER BYPRODUCTS THAT CAUSED THE PRODUCTS TO BE LIQUIDATED AT SUCH A DISCOUBNTED PRICE TO BEGIN WITH. BUYER BEWARE: YOU WILL NOT WANT TO SHOP AT OCEAN STATE JOB LOTS NOR WILL YOU WANT TO SHARE A COMMUNITY WITH THIS TYPE OF RETAILER

Need I mention that they will likely not sponsor any upcoming community events, will cause traffic issues, and will attract a whole different type of unsavory, lowlife consumer that will make you feel unsafe entering nad exiting your car in that parkinglot. Hello CRIME! You might as well write a sign and hang it out front welcoming a whole new wave of criminals to North Reading,

I know for a fact Whole Foods was trying very hard to open a store in Reading and Lynnfield . The new WHole Foods stores were supposed to be part of new urban revival landscapes that never came into fruition due to the trying economic times. You can't tell me that Whole Foods or Trader Joe's do not have an interest in opening there too? It is just that they are not even being given consideration.

OUR DEMOGRAPHICS, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY HAS CHANGED!!! LET'S START ATTRACTING RETAILERS WHO REGFLECT OUR COMMUNITY!!!

My opposition to large stores such as Ocean State Job Lots and Walmart is that we actually do pay more to buy things so cheap. Beyond the image that such box stores blanket on the surrounding area, they offer discounted products that are purchased inexpensively because they are imported from other countries who provide cheap, often inhumane labor. If we all shopped at "whole paycheck" stores that provide local goods and produce we would support local jobs, our farmers, friends and neighbors. Those who are even currently unemployed. Our friends and neighbors are expensive and are deserving of a higher wage. Personally I would rather have less yet keep it of a higher quality and know that my dollars are of real value to all of us.

I'm in lock-step with the majority view. Let us stand and have our voices heard in every public forum and BOYCOTT STOP AND SHOP permanently. Their thoughtless, selfless actions are certainly in the commercial best interests of Stop and Shop but Ocean State Job Lots is not in the best interests of the town of North Reading. I am curious as to what accomodations the Selectmen/Town Administrators made to Stop and Shop in their new location and why there were not any stipulations on the reuse of the old Stop and Shop location that would have ensured that WE would have had more influence on the selection of the new tenant for that location. I'm also wondering where are all OUR Selectmen....their voices are inaudible.

As far as my information, it is insider knowledge... that is why I am sharing it. You can do your own research, however.

As far as my race, religion, creed, color, and how much money, I make, your comments make me laugh...you are so off base... I don't fit into any of the typical boxes you might suspect, people like you, who purport to be open-minded, should really reconsider the meaning of the phrase

But I do analyze criminal demongraphics and I raise a valid point... roll the clock ahead a few months and get back to me on your opinion then, please

"DAVE" I CAN NO LONGER ENGAGE IN THIS RIDICULOUS CONVERSATION WITH YOU. AS FAR AS MY INSIDER INFORMATION, HOW DARE YOU QUESTION ME. I SIMPLY SHARED IT BECAUSE IT IS "INSIDER" AND NOT SOMETHING EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO OUTSIDERS. I CA RE ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY WHEREAS YOU SEEM TO BE THE POSTERCHILD FOR OCEAN STATE JOB LOTS. GOOD LUCK TO YOU-YOU MUST WORK THERE OR BE A FREQUENT SHOPPER. IF YOU ARE A FREQUENT SHOPPER, I AM NOT SURE HOW YOU COULD EVEN QUESTION THE INVENTORY POINTS I RAISE. REALLY? ARE YOU THAT NAIVE?

AS FAR AS YOUR LOW BLOW ABOUT MY TYPO AND SUGGESTING IT WAS A SPELLING ERROR, IT JUST SHOWS WHAT A SORRY CASE YOU ARE. AS FAR AS MY BOXES, THERE IS ONE I CAN CHECK THAT I KNOW YOU CERTAINLY CANNOT AND THAT IS MENSA MEMBER. DO A LITTLE REASEARCH ON THAT PLEASE.. I PROMISE YOU IT WILL BE TIME BETTER SPENT. I AM SIMPLY GUILTY OF MULTITASKING

Beautiful mind, please stop shouting on the comment board. Thank you.

I apologize if my caps were misconstrued as shouting. It was not my intention.

I did not come here to talk about those things either. I only mention them because of how you responded to me, Dave.

Most importantly, lets focus on the issue at hand: people's opinions regarding Ocean Job Lots coming to North Reading

I would like to see the rt 62 Winter Street entrance to remain but become right turn only as an exit. With the new Donut shop this should help the traffic flow. There is no reason to take a left turn to go to rte 28 when there is an exit with a traffic light on rte 28.

I say RIGHT ON to those suggesting a boycott of Stop and Shop!!! They can monopolize as many retailers as they wish with their properties but they CANNOT monopolizs individuals. We can make our voices heard whether Stop and Shop and our selectmen turn a deaf ear to us or not.

As for our selectmen, does Stop and Shop have a few of you in their backpocket??? I am becoming highly skeptical of all of you after this issue has come to the forefront of our community development.

To all residents of North Reading:

Is this the image you truly want to envision for Main Street, showcasing our beautiful town? Look at the cover picture of an Ocean State Job Lot Store on The Patch website:
http://northreading.patch.com/

Look at our neighboring communities: Andover, Lynnfield, Reading... check out their beautiful town centers and the wonderful businesses they have attracted. This singular move is going to take North Reading in one swift motion from moving towards "classy" to "trashy".

Check out the locations of the other Ocean State Job Lot stores. I know someone mentioned earlier about community demographics. There is not one community with remotely close socioeconomic values to North Reading listed as a store location. Check out the demographics of these places and you will see why it is not a good fit for North Reading:
http://www.oceanstatejoblot.com/locate/default.aspx?state=MA

It is a sad state of affairs for North Reading when a community like Somerville fought relentlessly to ban Ocean State Job Lots from locating there and our town officials are practically rolling out the red carpet for them to open here. The residents of Somerville knew what a negative impact such a store would have on their community and their Mayor knew too. These residents came together and succeeded in stopping Ocean State Job Lots from moving into their city!

People, we need to band together and stop this atrocity from happening to our town. Check out this article and you can google plenty of others:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/business/x524689249/Somerville-says-no-to-Ocean-State-Job-Lot#axzz1KpalMUMz

Imagine Somerville would rather have a dilapitated run down empty building hanging around for years now rather than let such a store as Ocean State Job Lots open up there. Think about it...

Come on North Reading residents-it is time to wake up your collective conscience!!! We cannot afford to have any residents ignorant of this matter.

Let's work with the facts, shall we?

Sheila: Thanks for the info from Wicked Local regarding Somerville. In researching the issue there, it's clear that it was a political football and not a passionate consumer issue. I'm glad that you presented some facts instead of just posting unverified accusations. This truly is the spirit of community action.

Harvey: Agreed. Reading, for instance, has a GREAT town center. It's been developed nicely. North Reading's town center is also quite picturesque. The small town feeling evoked when driving through is quintessential New England. Now, drive 1/2 mile south of the town center on Main Street in Reading and it's a different story. How about the Walker Brook Drive (old town dump) development? GREAT tax revenue. Main Street in North Reading isn't the town center. It's the business district. We need good and decent business to bring business and tax revenue to town. Thank you too for presenting factual information on the topic at hand.

I must also say that I am not employed by OSJL, have no financial interest in their move to North Reading nor will I derive any income from such a store. I like a good bargain from a merchant with a good track record and who is a benefit to the community. OSJL is such a merchant.

As suggested, I did some searching on the internet. I present to you the following links that answer a few questions raised here on the board.

Where does the merchandise come from (not things containing lead, from fire sales, or contaminated by chemicals):
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/141414/ocean_state_job_lot_offers_customers.html

New store in Medford:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/medford/news/business/x842513275/Medford-becomes-100th-Ocean-State-Job-Lot-location#axzz1Kq4Dfnw4

New store in Saugus:
http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2011/03/06/news/news04.txt

Customer reviews of the Danvers store (by undesireable elements who shop there apparently):
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocean-state-job-lots-danvers

Never been to an Ocean State Job Lots? Here's a tongue in cheek look at a store:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNEhL4s6UGk

and then we complain about higher taxes, unemployment etc. This business has a right to be here, I welcome them and I bet that those who oppose will be shopping ther and/or have their kids employed there. Where was the opposition to Stop % Shop monopolizing the town by not allowing a Market Basket in? Business is healthy and IF it it was not wanted or needed it will not survive and move elsewhere Stop speaking for everyone and let the market decide.

I am so glad I just purchased a home in the 7 figures to move to a junkyard community(or so it seems to be moving in that direction) And, no, I will not be shopping there and would much prefer paying higher taxes. Thanks to The Patch for keeping us informed.

I find it interesting that the Facebook group started and supported by those in opposition to this "junk" store coming to North Reading is no longer available. It is also interesting to read about people being harassed because they oppose this "junk" store coming to North Reading and because they are urging a boycott of Stop & Shop. Seems like someone with some power isn't too happy that the residents of North Reading have dared to oppose the OSJL "junk" store. Keep fighting, everyone. This is not what we want or need in North Reading.

As for Stop & Shop, I hope it is enjoying its monopoly in the North Reading market.

I for one didn't know for sure that Stop and Shop owned the property they moved from until recently, and didn't know where I could voice my concerns . I was shocked when they moved from a nice large store up the street to where they are now. I think many people wanted Market Basket in town and I don't know which rumors we heard were true or false. I don't know if Market Basket even tried to get into North Reading. I just know that Stop and Shops move kept any hope of having a competitive grocery store in North Reading, and maybe they thought that was a good enough reason to move. I use to shop for quick items such as Milk in the old Stop and Shop but when I stopped into their new location down the street from where I live and tried to get in and out of there and checked their prices. I realized I wouldn't be shopping for anything in their store now if we need milk I will pay higher price at Walgreens or go to Wilmington to Market Basket. They have lost my business and I will let everyone I know how much I dislike the way the decided to do business in our town.

I find this ongoing dialogue (minus the personal rants above) rather amusing. You’d think an abortion clinic or strip club was being proposed for the site! I don’t believe there has been a huge line of interested businesses salivating at the prospect of leasing said space. So along comes a decent, proven business with stores in over 100 other towns and they want to employ our townspeople (and hopefully my 16 year old!), pay taxes, and fill an empty, useless building, in a bleak economy – and you want to turn them away?? If you’re angry with the way S&S handled this whole thing boycott them all you want (heck, it will make it easier to go in and out of those ridiculous doorways!), but leave OSJL out of this. (I have no ties to either S&S or OSJL). I’m all for devising a plan for our stretch of Rt. 28 that would eventually allow for a “Reading or Andover feel” some of you are looking for, but that doesn’t mean keeping OSJL out now. By the time such a plan even gets agreed to, my 16 year old might be managing the store!

And, I just have to comment after reading all the blogs, Dave you seem like an impassioned bully who is trying to control how everyone thinks. I commend your "research" on the internet but do know, true research is not googled over the internet. And, as far as products not being contaminated, please don't play the fool. Just look at how many imports from China we send back every day due to nickel, cadmium, and lead violations. Do you remember the pet cats that were being sold in the US a few years ago that were actually made from the hair of real cats and dogs? I can tell you are a true bargain shopper but please realize that there is a price you are paying(whether you realize it or not) for your cheap products. I implore you to drive to these other stores you speak of to shop. North Reading consumers need to be more judicious.

Continue the pressure on Stop & Shop and town officials, everyone. Maybe the Facebook page will come back and we will again have a place to gather and exchange ideas. In the meantime, do not let this issue drop. Also, remember that there is a CPC meeting on May 10 at town hall. I am not 100 percent sure that the OSJL issue will be on the agenda, but let's keep on top of it.

Thank you, Mel for standing up for us, and for your heartfelt comments.

Bob, your son should be able to get a job anywhere in town. What makes you think a retailer with an even better reputation(e.g. Whole Foods, Starbucks, etc.) would not want to setup shop there. As far as what you know about who is or is not lining up to occupy the space, at this point, is only conjecture.

Where are our town officials? I blame them for keeping us in the dark about this whole Stop and Shop situation and now Ocean State Junkyard issue. I am about to start the move to vote you all out of office.

Joe Veno,

As far as your comment about how the building will look, how can you be serious? I have seen the outside of the one in Danvers and it is a far outcry from an upgrade to the picure posted on the Patch. It is a junk store with a junk look- Bottom Line!

Leaving that decision up to you town officials does not sit well with me after seeing how this whole situation is going down. Be prepared to deal with the voter repercussions for your actions. There are a whole lot of people unhappy with you and for good, valid reasons. We will not be silenced.

For those of you who think you are going to get this store out once it opens up, good luck! It will be the next eyesore that never goes away. I feel terribly for the local businesses who are sure to suffer at the hands of this situation. Due to the widespread inventory of Ocean State Job Lots, there are many businesses who will suffer losses that will likely not be recovered in the future. These are the business owners who have stood by you true and true and to the people of North Reading. We are a sad, shallow bunch if we are just looking for bargains and the bottom line.... There are myriad variables that lie in between and those factors are just starting to be explored.

Please refrain from personal attacks. Thank you.

I own a small business and I always tell my clients If you are not comfortable with me then I refer them to others they might find a better fit. As a small business I strive to be competitive with the others in town so I can keep my clients. I run my business knowing what my clients are looking for, so they don't need to look elsewhere. I am not afraid of competition. It just keeps me improving my business so I can survive. Stop and Shop doesn't want to make changes, and obviously they must be afraid they will go the way of Shaws if another grocery store would move into town. I haven't been to Ocean State Job Lots but I do intend to visit so I can make comments with accuracy about the store itself.

I have to comment on Ocean State, I'm just a middle class guy and even I was disgusted with what OCJL sells. Soap with russian writing, Really? is anyone with any sense going to buy anything from them. A bargain, please! Nothing but dusty dirty junk! I felt like I needed a shower after being in that store.
Secondly, I would like to know how did S&S get approval? The parking lot is an tragedy waiting to happen, and god help whoever is in that store when the alarm goes off. Someone is going to get hurt, and is that really worth the 10 $8hr jobs that it brought and minimal tax dollars. Unbelievable!
C'mon NR we can be better.

www.foodmanufacturing.com regarding a comment made on the quality of goods sold at Big Lots. What I heard is that it buys products that are defective and not fit for human consumption. Then again, if you look at some of the information available through various web sites, you 'll find that a lot of things are not quite what you think they are. Not to continue this blah blah blah but I find Stop and Shop expensive but convenient for those items that I can't purchase elsewhere. However, I will say that the meat at the area's butcher shops are worth the price, they are not watered down and are actually quite a bit fresher. And, although I may have to drive 5 minutes. Colaresso's has great fruit and I have never been disappointed by brown vegetables or salad. Just a thought.

I don't think there is very much difference. There are many sources from them to buy from wholesale and I think if people decide to purchase the product there, just like CTS or Dollar Store, they should know what they are buying and not rely on the retailer to watch their backs, especially when you are talking about children using them. But thanks for the info. I had forgotten which bad store it was.

Priscilla thank you for the shopping tip. It is wonderful to find another small business through a local referral. Prior to this OSJL discussion, I was also extremely disappointed with the "new" Stop-n-Shop location, layout, parking and shopping experience. Good to have more options to exercise. Community matters! I will patronize small business instead. Anyone have a recommended butcher and bakery?

From what I understand there is still half of the building that remains unleased. If we don't like OSJL coming in, why don't we focus on not being the passive recipients of business, and actively try to pursuade an "acceptable" business to take the remaining half, so we're not doing this all over again months from now. The best defense is a good offense.

Here is a sample of the "quality" products I hope we can find at OSJL if it comes to North Reading. http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2010/11/04/business/dd1_bizbadbedding1104110410.txt

More dangerous toy recalls: THIS STORE REALLY REFLECTS OUR COMMUNITY VALUES?????

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml98/98143.html

Yet another very hazardous set of items sold here:
http://www.classaction.org/ocean-state-jobbers-century-cookware-stainless-steel-stockpots--lawsuit-1519.html

Does anyone know why the Facebook page was taken down? Was it taken down by the creator or Facebook?

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/consumer/recalls&id=6530429

More quality products from Ocean State Job Lot: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/131075.php

You folks want to kick Walmart out of town too? Here is a current list of products they carried but were recently recalled:

Lasko Box Fan
Sold at: Walmart Stores

Delta Enterprise Drop Side Crib Recall Re-Announcement
Sold at: Walmart Stores

Bravo Sports Pogo Stick
Sold at: Walmart Stores and Walmart.com

Burlington Basket Bassinet
Sold at: Walmart Stores and Walmart.com

Dorel Juvenile Group Car Seat
Sold at: Walmart Stores, Walmart.com, Sam's Club and Samsclub.com

Hoover Bagless Canister Vacuum
Sold at: Walmart Stores

General Electric Dehumidifier
Sold at: Walmart Stores and Sam's Club

Bassett Furniture Drop Side Crib
Sold at: Walmart Stores and Walmart.com

Graco Quattro™ and MetroLite™ Strollers
Sold at: Walmart Stores, Walmart.com and Sam's Club

Let me say right off, I'm making no personal attacks here. I'm refuting facts posted by others. None of my comments should be construed as anything personal against the person who posted in good faith. I'm also presenting other facts for consideration.

For those who'd like Whole Foods to occupy that space, here are their recent recalls:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/product-recalls.php

How about some Christmas Tree Shops recalls:
http://christmastreeshop.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/christmastreeshop.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=v26bKEsk

While we're at it, let's get rid of Sears too. Their recalls:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/nb_10153_12605_NB_CSrecalls

I just have to ask: How is OSJL responsible for the actions of Sleepline Industries and Sanidown Inc? Those are the two companies that the state of CT is filing complaints about, not OSJL...

tired of discussing this

Bob Donegan...thank you for being a voice of reason here. You used the word "hyperbole" and it's a perfect description of what's been going on here. I'm pretty neutral on the topic of OSJL coming to town, kind of waiting to get more infomation on the subject, but I don't think we as a town are being well served by all of the sensational posts here.

PEOPLE...take a moment and examine the situation before you mouth off further. Understand what you can impact and what you should just let go. If you don't want OSJL in town, show up at the hearings and make your voices heard. If they are coming to town anyway, assure that they are forced to keep the building and the property as attractive as possible. Make sure that access to the property is safe and reasonable. These are the things that you can have a positive impact on. Rambling on about product recalls, things that most retailers run into now and then, doesn't address the real issue here. It all just becomes noise and hyperbole.

If you are all truly concerned about the quality of life in North Reading, how about stepping back a bit and then becoming mature, thoughtful and responsible in here? What kind of message are we sending to others with the vitriol in some of these posts? If you want to support...do so reasonably. If you want to protest, communicate and organize in a positive manner. Whatever you do, take a moment to read your post first and ask yourself if it's something you'd want your kids to read.

Dear Sir or Madam (Beautiful Mind); Let me start by saying that I haven’t heard one of the Selectman on the Board express to me that they are in favor of OSJL moving into our town; ESPECIALLY ME (Mike Prisco). We don’t live in Russia. We (BOS) do not have the legal ability to dictate what companies we want or don’t want in our town. The CPC and ZBA; along with the Code Enforcement Dept. are the Boards/Committees that make that determination based on Town By-Laws, Building & Zoning Codes, etc. The only control the BOS has is our ability to get the public/residents involved to help stop something we see isn’t in the best interest of our town. This is why I met with S&S representatives and asked them to give a presentation to the public on what OSJL is all about to the public/residents of NR at an upcoming CPC meeting and allow the public to ask questions, share concerns, and make recommendations. S&S has agreed to do exactly that. At this time I do not have the date S&S plan to present but please join me at the upcoming CPC meeting on 10 May at Town Hall starting at 7:30 PM to learn more about this subject.

I am amazed at how many folks are enraged about this subject (as am I). What I would like to see are more residents volunteer/run for a Committee/Board Seat on the CPC or ZBA or volunteer to be on one of the many supporting committees. Year after year, board members go to through ELECTIONS UNCONTESTED. This town needs new volunteers to step up and help move our town in a positive and productive direction. Clearly many of you are unsatisfied with the job many of us elected officials and volunteer committee members are doing. Don’t just post your opinions and recommendations on a website or blog; VOLUNTEER to SERVE YOUR TOWN. If you would like to discuss this matter further please don’t hesitate to contact me at 978-502-8705. Sincerely, Mike Prisco.

north reading should get a gym,, would make a lot of money, big area. could even have a pool and half a basket ball court in there. Also, a seperate treadmill area.

Folks, if you are going to have an opinion, please follow Patch's policies of using your full (and real) name. I'm sure this discussion board would be more civil if people had to disclose their names.

Jim you are correct that is what they should do but you know how some people are

Quite honestly, OSJL hurts itself with that name! I have never been to one (though every time I see their ad in the paper there seems to be something in there that I want at a good price!), but the name itself conjures up a negative connotation. I am willing to bet had the store been named something that gave the impression of being eco-friendly, or "high-end" it would not be so strongly opposed. I know that sounds a bit shallow and silly, but it is human nature.

Jim, the way some people have been treated on here, I would be afraid to post my full name.

And, Joe, I would beg you to reconsider some of your thoughts on this project. I don't think you realize the breadth of the opposing voices. It would be wise to not keep touting one opionion and rooting for one side. We, as citizens, need better alternatives such as those Mike Prisco has suggested.

Also, I am just wondering...why is it that Ocean State Job Lots is not trying to occupy the vacant space that previously housed Market Basket in Andover?

Why? Andover would NEVER even consider having a store like Ocean State Job Lots in its town. Forget about North Reading trying to compete on any level with these neighboring communities when we choose to make deals with the lowliest of bidders.

Forget about attracting any new residents to North Reading(or at least one's who are going to invest in businesses or houses). One drive down Route 28 with an Ocean State Job Lots posted in clear view and you will turn them off completely. For those of you who have endured this tough economy, expect this competitive real estate market to lose its competitive stance real fast. Your housing values are going to drop real fast. For one, I would have never even considered buying my house if Ocean State Job Lots was here. It says a lot about the community. Where are our bookstores? Where are our toy stores? Where are our internet cafes? Where are our bakeries? Where are our stroller landscapes? Where are our theaters? Where are our nice, large fitness centers? Where is our variety of produce/food markets? Why aren't we asking about what CAN go in there as opposed to just settling for who has made a bid? Why are we not being more educated decisions about the present and future of our town. Settling for the lowest common denominator should not be an option.

So, if I enter N. Reading and drive down Rt. 28 past the fried food joints, the strip malls, the liquor stores, the bars, the car washes, the mobile home parks, the delapidated auto repair garages, I’m going to be disgusted by the site of a brand new business? The site is actually set back from Rt. 28 nicely and has a parking lot that – by parking lot standards – is pretty nice (thank you, S&S). I would think “Hey, new business here in town… positive sign.” Sure beats having an empty, useless building which sends absolutely the wrong message to prospective residents and other businesses.

North Reading is not Andover, Weston, Concord, Georgetown, Get a life. A Yup

Atlantic Supermarket had been in this town for years and was also overpriced so people always shopped outside of town. I think if you took a poll you would find out the majority of North Reading Shoppers do shop outside of town for their weekly groceries. Stop and Shop's grocery items are priced an average of .50 to a dollar over where I shop add that to my total grocery bill and I would probably be spending at least 50.00 more every time I grocery shop. That's more than I can afford.

Sorry Cheryl. The above post wasn't specifically directed at you. I hit reply instead of a new post.

Here's a question--would people rather see more locally owned businesses in town, or more higher-end retail chains?

It comes down to who is willing to invest in opening a business in North Reading. Perhaps some of those that are so passionate about having an improved look and quaint little stores in North Reading would be willing to put up the money to start some of those businesses??

Personally, although I don't shop there because I find it a bit out of the way and higher priced, I am thankful that Stop &Shop made the investment to clean up that plaza where they are now. If their motives included keeping a monopoly on the grocery trade in North Reading, then good for them! Sounds like smart business to me!

OSJL wouldn't make my top 50 list of things I'd like to see moving into the old S&S, but having said that, I do shop occasionally at the one in Danvers. How many of those in opposition can say the same? Yes, the store is cluttered, but hardly dirty. Yes, they sell lots of junk, but also some good bargains on name brand supplies, foodstuffs, etc. And with a MB and bookstore in the same plaza, I can kill 3 birds in one trip.

To those who don't like how their exteriors look, I'm sure that's what they looked like when they first moved in. Do you really think they will trash the (relatively) attractive S&S storefront?

To those who think Rt 28 needs a facelift, I agree, but look at the progress over the past few years. Walgreens, NE Beverage, Great American Tavern, the upcoming Heavenly Donuts, both Dunkin Donuts, Cota's and the new 'Shoe are all huge improvements over what was there before. Unless you throw out the other older businesses, how else would you accomplish a wider facelift? Only as old ones close and get replaced with new ones, or owners have the foresight like Pat Lee, will further facelifts be accomplished.

Let's face it: it feels like S&S screwed our town, but they did nothing illegal. They were sleazy but within their rights, and from their perspective executed a smart business move. Boycott them all you want, which I will (I'm a MB guy, anyhow), but by the time they feel any financial pain over the whole situation, OSJL will already be here.

Beyong their strategy of boxing out another supermarket, I think S&S is more interested in poaching Andover residents than retaining those in NR. With their new location, they're 4 miles from my house, while MB in Middleton is 5 miles and in Reading, 6 miles. Coupled with their better pricing, my business goes to MB.
I think their new location will gradually doom S&S. The ones I feel bad for are the S&S employees, as well as the other merchants in the plaza. They're the ones who will pay the greater price when things go south for S&S.

I would be hard pressed to believe that any consumers who are going to shop at Ocean State Job Lots will be dropping a dime at any businesses elsewhere

I was just in Stoneham and heard that Whole Foods and Michael's Crafts Store are looking to occupy the old Shaws residency on Route 28 right on the Reading line. Don't tell me we these same stores would not be interested in North Reading....

One thing to remember is that there are often rumors like "I hear X is looking to move here" that are not true. For instance, in Stoneham, there have been reports of Christmas Tree Shop there and it was nothing but a rumor. The same goes for the Christmas Tree Shop coming to North Reading.

Also, please use your name when posting on Patch. Don't use an alias. Thank you.

Please do not insult my username...

I am just commenting after reading so many posts about the high prices at Stop and Shop compared to Market Basket. If Market Basket was here, I am certain many of these posters would not be dropping a dime at Stop and Shop. So, if Ocean State Job Lots comes here, it is not likely shoppers will be dropping a dime at CVS, Walgreens, Ryer's Store, Tedeschi Food Mart, etc.

Not for nothing, but I find it interesting that those of you suggesting that we should all patronize local businesses are patronizing patch.com to do your complaining. Not sure if you're all aware but patch.com is owned by AOL. Businesses don't get much less local than AOL...

I am not in favor of the OSJL coming to North Reading, but I think there is not much that can be done about it unless you change the zoning rules for that location (like Somerville did). If you need someone to blame, then blame our past leaders (15-20 years ago?) that decided to zone the entire stretch of Rte 28 as highway business and town meeting approved it as well. By zoning this as highway business, it has led to the building of strip malls and big box stores like rte 1. Maybe it is time to start to change the zoning of rte 28 to attract more village type stores/businesses and keep out any future big box stores. Like Mike Prisco stated, we need candidates for CPC and ZBA that have this vision. The BOS cannot do this alone. The BOS appoints people to the ZBA, so let's make sure they have candidates that share the re-zoning of rte 28.

After we get done banning all the undesirable stores we can build parks, theatres, and organic grocery stores. We'll have the veritable land of milk and honey with streets paved of gold...Common sense: business=tax revenue and supported business = stay in business. Support the ones you like and avoid the others. Economics takes care of the rest. How many of you bemoaning S&S actually shopped at MB or Atlantic before that. Either way people and businesses have a right to try whatever they want within the municipal codes. Of course if one of you is a multimillionaire and is interested in buying this property from S&S then you can convert it to a more desirable business. I love bookstores and movie theatres. Good luck with that in the age of ebooks and on demand, 1000 station FIOS HD on 65 inch screens.

dgo, you hit the nail right on the head. Let all these do gooders buy it and put what ever they want in there.

I bought a very nice entryway rug at Ocean State in Danvers and another friend of mine bought some great outdoor lanterns at one in Providence. Both of these items were actually a much better quality than the ones carried by Walmart.
However, I can't tell you how grateful I have been that Walmart is just downtown, on those evenings when one of my kids told me at dinner that they needed poster board, a white tee-shirt, markers, a patriots jersey or some other thing, first thing the next day.
I was never a big fan of Stop & Shop because they are expensive and I drove right by Market Basket in Middleton on my way home from work. Again, however, I did shop at S & S on occasion for its convenience as well.
I do know the woman who had been the manager there on a personal level - we had relatives who dated each other- and she told me that they were moving because they were not moving enough merchandise to justify the square footage and that the corporate HQ had sent her there to oversee the move.
I find that the traffic patterns in the new location makes it less convenient. I would rather drive to Reading than to that Plaza. I went to the Hallmark Store on a Saturday and had to run the gauntlet of shoppers to get out. Another Saturday I went to Sears Hardware and it was equally frustrating.
But, I don't believe in picking and choosing what businesses or people can move into our town for other than safety reasons..

I agree Carole but it seems some people feel they are to good to have an OSJL in town. It is a great store. I don't know about all these people complaining but if I can save a dollar today I like that. I guess if money is not an issue and you do not care about people as well off as you are and need a break then you might oppose this store in town.

Please stop calling others names and hiding behind aliases on this board. Three comments by the same alias were just removed. Please use your name and don't call people names. Thank you.

Thank you Les. I just checked and no where in my post did I call any one a do-gooder. Or any other name.

Les - There was no name calling in my post. If you read my post and tied them back to Mr. Veno's posts you will see I was only using the words Mr. Veno used in his post to paint anyone who opposes his opinion as a do-gooder and uber-wealthy. Here is Mr. Veno's "do-gooder" comments:

Joe Veno
4:02pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
dgo, you hit the nail right on the head. Let all these do gooders buy it and put what ever they want in there.

And here Mr. Veno infers that people who oppose OSJL are uber-rich and do not care about people as well off as them :

Joe Veno
6:45pm on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I agree Carole but it seems some people feel they are to good to have an OSJL in town. It is a great store. I don't know about all these people complaining but if I can save a dollar today I like that. I guess if money is not an issue and you do not care about people as well off as you are and need a break then you might oppose this store in town.

Why are these post not being removed since they are name calling and making generalizations about people?

So were my post removed because they countered Mr. Veno's opinion? Too bad. I only countered his hostile remarks about people who oppose OSJL. Sounds to me that you are selctive in your removal of name calling comments. Plus I see plenty of alaises on this site so that should not be the reason for the removal of the comments.

Reply

"Do-Gooder," please use your name and not an alias -- per our policy. Thank you.

Thank you Les for commentating this neighborhood discussion. I think lots of great ideas have been brought up and I must say that I am smiling to find so many other locals that share my values and hope for our community. This comment board, our boycott discussion and my dissatisfaction at our new S&S grocery motivated me to shop at small businesses this week. I found a great butcher and saved money too. In addition, a comment regarding a beautification initiative is a great idea and something I would jump on board with (apologies I forgot who to credit that to.) Also I believe selectman Michael Prisco makes complete sense encouraging more community involvement. I dread becoming overly political but maybe offering our ideas will invite good town conversation and make getting involved easy, maybe even fun.  I think everyone cares a great deal. In addition just to finish more of my goodie goodie rant  (not the first time I've been called that)....Farmers Market anyone? 

There are many committees in town that are defunct, I am pretty sure you can go to the office across from the tax assessors office and inquire about the ones that are defunct and ask about revitalizing them.

One for example is a sidewalk committee.

As a town we need to get more involved in what is going on, personally I think people are worrying about nothing with the prospect of OSJL. If we really want better business, we need to try to attract them to this town, and that will bring more business. We have the income, as the latest stats say our house hold income is on par with Lynnfield, Andover, North Andover, Reading, etc.

I truly believe the biggest problem is lack of sewers in town, no company wants to spend several hundred thousand of dollars to replace septic systems. If I recall in the last 10 years the Shaws plaza has been redone 4 times due to what I assume was failure.

I shop at walmart regularly, I have also noticed lately more BMWs, Mercedes and highend SUVs in that lot when I go, take that with a grain of salt.

Another thought on the whole stop and shop debate, the land to the right of walmart is an old ball field and is owned by the current property owners I believe. I would love walmart to expand to that field and create a super market like the one in Salem, NH.

Why not start a comitee to recruit business into north reading, show them the research of the wealth in this town and others and that they will have support for our dollars.

Bill,

A small group of citizens fought to revive the Sidewalk Committee. It is now called the Pedestrian Sidewalk Safety Committee. I would love to have more people come to our meetings and participate. We are currently working on some exciting projects and even brought in a representative from the Massachusetts Area Planning Commission to talk about the regional plan, improving walkability, and snow removal. (see http://northreading.patch.com/articles/walk-on). Please be sure to check the town meeting schedule as well as local media outlets for the date and time of our next meeting. I look forward to seeing more people there.