Wal-Mart fight pits jobless vs. small business

Ald. Lyle is quoted in this column from Mary Mitchell on the Wal-Mart issue. Basically takes a look at the small business issue, however, she also looks at the issue of jobs. Almost like how I attempted to frame the issue at Mechanics.

You don't have to quote statistics to understand that Chicago's South Side is hurting.

In many areas, the business district still consists of ramshackle stores and fast-food restaurants.

I'm not blaming aldermen for being unable to attract large retail businesses to predominantly black areas.

The shame is on the retailers that have red-lined black communities.

But the loss of business meant the loss of jobs.

"We know from reports in the African-American community that we are talking about 20 percent unemployment, and it is an equally high number for Hispanics," Brookins said.

"There are no manufacturing or good- paying jobs coming to the 'hood," Brookins said.

The question is how do black aldermen justify turning down 500 jobs and a major construction project when there's nothing else on the horizon?

Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th) is one of the aldermen opposing Brookins' bid.

She says her reasons are steeped in "protectionism."

"There are two big concerns. When Wal-Mart comes into a rural area, Wal-Mart killed all the business in their area. In urban areas, you lose retail sales revenue in the surrounding area," Lyle said.

"Because there is a finite amount of money in every community, if you have a change in the spending pattern and take on a new player, that means the other players are going to suffer," she said.

In other words, Lyle is worried about what will become of the predominantly black-owned businesses that sell some of the items Wal-Mart will stock.

Lyle also does not believe that a Wal-Mart would attract additional businesses.

"If we are struggling now, it will only get worse," she said.

"Young people don't have the loyalty to keep these small businesses going. I don't want to be the one to hit the nail," Lyle said.

BTW, I too want to see a resurgence of black businesses along the local thoroughfares of 79th and 87th Streets. Could Wal-Mart spur that? Or could Wal-Mart only serve to hamper that?

Read the whole column however.