SoCal Message to Wal-Mart: Stay Away!

Residents of Inglewood, Calif., voted against an initiative that would allow a large-scale retail development, possibly anchored by Wal-Mart, to be built on a 60-acre site. Sixty-one percent of voters voted against the initiative, while 39 percent voted in favor of it. Only 28 percent of registered voters actually cast a ballot.

Measure 04-A was placed on the ballot after the city of Inglewood repealed the ordinance it adopted in an attempt to prevent large-scale developments, effectively barring Wal-Mart (and other large retailers) from the neighborhood. Inglewood repealed the ordinance due to concerns of a lawsuit. Wal-Mart Supercenters typically exceed 170,000 square feet.

Los Angeles-based Rothbart Development Corp. is behind the development, Home Stretch at Hollywood Park. Although the development plans did not specifically identify Wal-Mart as one of the retailers negotiating to be part of the project, it is common knowledge that the discount giant is behind the initiative. Sources speculate that Wal-Mart spent close to $1 million promoting the development. Neither Rothbart Development nor Wal-Mart were available for comment.

The developer, along with a handful of other Inglewood residents, circulated a petition to allow residents to vote on an ordinance that would allow Home Stretch to be developed. Normal channels for obtaining approvals such as the planning commission and the city council were bypassed, according to Michael Calzada, executive assistant to the city administrator of Inglewood.

Darryl Brown, chief of staff for Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn, said the Mayor supported the development, but declined to comment further. Four other city council members were not in favor of Home Stretch, primarily because they did not like the breach of protocol, according to a source close to the situation.

"It's extraordinary that a developer would go to these lengths," Calzada said. Moreover, the initiative was very divisive, according to Calzada. He pointed to Wal-Mart's recent troubles with organized labor as a factor that influenced the final outcome of the vote.

Wal-Mart is facing extreme opposition throughout California, especially in Los Angeles County where officials have proposed an ordinance that would ban Wal-Mart's larger format stores.

Rothbart Development acquired the acreage from Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. $36 million in 2002. The sale announcement said: "Rothbart expects to complete the entitlement process expeditiously and commence development of a retail venue featuring national chain retail stores and a full selection of goods, services and restaurants."