To the Editor:
I am seeing a lot of conversation about retail development in Ocala. Many are saying no more convenience stores with gas station and/or car wash.
Moving to Ocala in February I noticed there is a lack of retail competition. I live off 200 and SW 100th. We have two big box grocery stores to shop; Walmart or Publix. There needs to be competition, a Kroger or Winn Dixie. Publix is putting up stores everywhere to ensure no competition.
We also need a Target superstore and another warehouse store such as BJ’s or Costco.
Clearly the additional stores other than Walmart, Publix, and Sam’s due to the fact when you shop any of the above stores it is always packed. Sam’s is so busy time the traffic light is always backed up on 200 to get into the parking lot, especially the gas station.
Ocala’s housing market is experiencing explosive growth; my community has plans to build up to 10,000 more homes, retail stores are needed to support this growth. However there needs to be a balance as more housing puts an extreme burden on the school system, taxes, and there needs to be dedicated open space.
John D Goy
Ocala
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