Fear of Wal-Mart overblown

To the Editor:

I have been reading the various letters and articles about Wal-Mart coming to Bath. The comments regarding the loss of business in downtown Bath have lead me to believe I must be shopping at a very different Wal-Mart. I have actually been to the new Super Store that has been built in Geneseo and it is a very nice store - well laid out with friendly staff. It is easy to enter and exit the shopping plaza. I have, however, not seen any of the services that are offered on Liberty Street - the baked goods of Betty Kay, Insurance Agencies, satellite TV service, bike and jewelry repair, the type of gifts Ginger's Corner, Deb's Books and Gold Mine Jewelry carry, a dance studio, a bank, the credit bureau and abstract companies, the appliance and paint stores and also the furniture upholsterer and trophy shop. They do not have the plumbing parts or expertise that is also offered.

The other item that should be considered is what will Wal-Mart give back to our community. If you look at what has grown up around the stores in Painted Post, Big Flats, Watkins Glen and Hornell the answer will be more and different retail stores. This then means more people coming to Bath to shop and possibly spending more money on Liberty Street. Wal-Mart also sponsors events in the community's where stores are located.

Another concern has been the traffic problems that Wal-Mart will create. I have been to several Wal- Marts in different areas and the traffic has not been a problem. Apparently it is not a problem to be traveling on Route 54 when Phillips and Mercury Aircraft are letting out - that is a traffic problem as some drivers just pull out with no regard to other traffic. I was traveling on Route 54 on Sunday and there was a steady stream of traffic heading towards the lake - how many of those people stopped to shop in Bath - I would hazard a guess that not too many did - I have to wonder how many of them may have pulled into the Wal- Mart when they saw it because there was something they needed to pick up.

I would welcome a Wal-Mart. It will save time and gas driving to Painted Post and I would prefer to spend my money locally. I believe the benefits far outweigh any of the drawbacks. If we are to keep the small businesses we have we must attract the larger stores that will draw more people to our town.

Velda Schmieg Bath