Solidago Foundation Awards Anti-Sprawl / Wal-Mart Grant to Policy Development

September 16, 2005

The Solidago Foundation in Northampton, Massachusetts announced that Policy Development will receive a $10,000 grant to mobilize a regional response against sprawl in the Pioneer Valley. The campaign will focus on the infamous mega-mall developer, Pyramid Cos., and their plans to replace farmland and wetlands with a Wal-Mart "Supercenter." Recognizing the David and Goliath dynamic, Policy Development will draw on the expertise and influence of national and local groups to raise awareness and develop sustainable alternatives. We will draw on the wide range of offenses that Wal-Mart is already defending itself against around the world, including: environmental destruction, exploitative domestic and foreign labor practices, dying local and downtown economies, and diminished quality of life generally. It is our hope that this regional policy experiment can be repeated elsewhere. Visit our web site at: www.StopSprawlMart.org.