South Euclid signs anti-poaching agreement, Heightsters cry foul.

The South Euclid city council voted unanimously to support Cuyahoga County’s new anti-poaching agreement. The agreement states that no community will try to “steal” a business from another community. Lots of accusations have been flying, charging South Euclid’s elected leaders of “hypocrisy” over the possibility of a Wal-Mart coming to Oakwood Commons. The whiners are the usual Heightsters who are bleating out of their anal orifices.

Is a Super Wal-Mart coming to Oakwood Commons? I have no idea. But let’s assume for a moment that the rumors about Wal-Mart relocating to Oakwood Commons are true. Is this a case of poaching?

No, and here’s why:

Severance has failed to maintain its shopping center. The already closed stores there reduce traffic which impacts Wal-Mart’s bottom line. The lack of security has led to several dangerous situations there, including flash mobs that required police intervention. Because of the security situation, Severance has earned a bad reputation which further reduces traffic. Don’t forget, there was a shooting in the food court of the old Severance Center back in the 90s, and people haven’t forgotten. Would YOU shop at Severance? Would YOU feel safe there? Have you been there lately? Whenever I’ve reluctantly gone there, the parking lot has been mostly empty.

With all the empty storefronts, Severance still can’t provide the space Wal-Mart needs for the alleged Super Wal-Mart.

Moving a store like Wal-Mart with its huge inventory is a costly complex matter. You can bet that Mitchell Schneider is going to command top-dollar for space at Oakwood Commons. A good businessman would expect no less. So Schneider’s not poaching either.

Therefore, even if Wal-Mart moves to Oakwood, it’s not poaching.

It’s important for the various cities in Cuyahoga to work together. Last year’s move of American Greetings from Brooklyn to Westlake is what happens when a rich community uses tax incentives to lure a business away from a poor community. The American Greetings fiasco WAS poaching. South Euclid’s hardly rich, and has not offered any incentives such as a tax break to bring Wal-Mart to South Euclid.

By the way, Cleveland Heights has yet to sign the anti-poaching agreement.