Petition against new Third Ward store, Dollar General 'DGX'

NOW: Petition against new Third Ward store, Dollar General ’DGX’
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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Shops in the Third Ward have posters displaying their opposition to Dollar General opening a convenience store in the neighborhood.

"No, we don't want them here in this location," said Doug McDonald, GM of Mod Gen, A General Store.

According to the group, Third Ward Advocates, the store DGX could possibly move into an empty storefront on the 300 block of Broadway.

But other businesses say it doesn't match the area filled with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.

"We want to remain a destination shopping experience for people,” McDonald said. “We just don't feel it’s what we want as the greeting for customers coming into the district."

The proposed DGX will be a small-format convenience store geared towards busy, urban shoppers.

An online petition was created to keep it out. At last check, more than 1,500 people signed the petition against the stores location.

"I was a little bit surprised because I know a lot of the local business owners try and stray away from the big box type stores that would come in,” said Alyssa Beasley, who works nearby. “I just don't think it's a very good idea to hinder that local development," she said.

However, there are some who say the area is in need of a store that offers affordable, quick grab-and-go items. "It's not all about the upscale, you know? Everybody's gotta live and eat, right?" said Joel Buganowski, a construction worker.

CBS 58 reached out to Dollar General for comment, but have not heard back.

A meeting regarding the store is planned for Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Public Market.

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