From: Donovan.Pepper@walgreens.com
Sent: Monday, March
02, 2009 2:55 PM
To: Davis Sr., Joe; Zielinski, Tony; Witkowiak,
James; Wade, Willie; Witkowski, Terry
Cc: MacDonald, Terry;
Donovan.Pepper@walgreens.com
Subject: MORE Ordinance
Dear
Chairman Davis and Members of the Community and Economic Development
Committee:
On behalf of Walgreens and the
current 34 pharmacies we operate in Milwaukee, and the future stores planned for
development, we are concerned about the Milwaukee Opportunities For Restoring
Employment (MORE) Ordinance, which is currently under consideration by your
committee.
While we understand the
intent and purpose of the ordinance and would agree with the goals and
objectives of it, we are opposed to the prevailing wage requirement provision
included in the ordinance. The added expense associated with this
requirement significantly reduces the competitiveness of the finished
development. Given the current economic crisis that is impacting the
entire retail industry and stagnating real estate development, the additional
expense is especially problematic. Please consider that projects receiving
incentives or financial assistance from the City are typically developments that
may not occur otherwise.
As a
long-standing, good community partner in Milwaukee, we are supportive of the
tenants of the measure and are committed to work with advocates on job training
and workforce development to help under/unemployed city residents take advantage
of development and growth. I would ask that you consider our concerns so
that the final product does indeed spur retail development rather than inhibit
it.
Walgreens shares your vision of a
vibrant Milwaukee that transforms under-utilized property into tax generating
and developments that create jobs. We look forward to continuing to work
with you to achieve that vision. Thank you for your consideration.
Please feel free to contact me if you
have any questions.
Donovan W.
Pepper
Manager, Local Government
Relations
donovan.pepper@walgreens.com
(847) 315-4683