Weds 4/7: Meeting to Keep McDonald's out of Grand Lake Area

A McDonald's franchise is threatening to open up in my beloved Grand Lake
neighborhood--right across the street from the incredibly successful Grand Lake
Farmer's Market. I am helping my neighbors (who are vehemently opposed!) organize a
community meeting next Wednesday night and we need to get as many people there as
possible. We are hoping for major press coverage, the works! The idea is to scare
off the franchisee. Even if you don't live in the immediate area, it's important to
make your voices heard, as this effects all of us. So please consider coming, and
please, send this message to everyone you know who'd be interested.

Below is a message that spells out more details. Also, any resources, ideas, etc,
are welcome!

Thanks so much for your support!

Michele


Thanks to Alan Michaan, of the Grand Lake Theater, for his support!

It's vital that we let McDonald's know that OUR NEIGHBORHOOD OPPOSES McDonald's
entry onto Lake Park Avenue!

The McDonald's franchisee, accompanied by a corporate representative, has offered to
meet with the community. This will be our one, probably only, and best chance to
send a clear message all the way up to Ronald McDonald himself in the board room in
Oak Brook, Illinois.

Community Meeting with McDonald's
Wednesday, April 7th, 7:00 p.m.
Lakeshore Baptist Church
(corner of Lakeshore & Mandana)


McDonald’s is on the verge of invading the Grand Lake neighborhood, replacing the
Kwik Way at 500 Lake Park Avenue, and digging in with a 20 to 30-year lease.

A national fast-food chain, drawing traffic and litter into this pedestrian-enhanced
space, seriously threatens the character of our revitalized Grand Lake neighborhood.
It would lock-in fast food for decades within half a block of Lakeview Elementary.
We want a business that will add to the neighborhood and succeed.

Please come. You can bear silent witness, applaud your neighbors, wave signs, or
speak your mind.

Stop by our table at the Farmers Market on Saturday. If you haven't already, sign a
petition or volunteer.

The Greater Grand Lake Action Coalition, composed of neighborhood groups opposing
the McDonald's, met Tuesday evening with Alex Hahn, owner of the Kwik Way site. Mr.
Hahn showed no sign that he had any understanding of why we wouldn't be thrilled and
excited at the prospect of being stuck with a McD's for the next 20-30 years.

Thursday morning, the coalition -- along with council member Danny Wan, and Amanda
Brown-Stevens (from council member Nancy Nadel's office) -- met with Bobby Haynes
(the prospective McDonald's franchisee) and a McDonald's corporate rep. It's clear
that McDonald's is much more likely to be moved by neighborhood opposition than Mr.
Hahn is. That's why it's paramount that we make the most of our opportunity on
Wednesday.

To find out more about the neighborhoods' opposition to the proposed McDonald's on
Lake Park Avenue, go to the brand-spanking-new website of the coalition:

http://www.greatergrandlake.org/