On the other end of the spectrum, many of the businesses and residents who are in favor of the Wal-Mart Super Center are so because of the tax it will generate for the county, the number of jobs, as well as the growth potential for that area. The mixed feelings have kept Central Square and the surrounding communities on their toes. Comments from area businesses seem to sway back and forth between fear and acceptance. Terrie Osbourne, manager of Wilborn's Restaurant, feels that it would be the beginning of a destination shopping area. Central Square's greatest commodity is its quality of life.
People live here because the village is a nice alternative to a city or the suburbs.
A Wal-Mart here would destroy the heart and soul of Central Square. I feel it would change the lifestyle as well because of the heavy traffic, parking, and the 24-hour operation. Bigger stores undersell and outsell small, local businesses. But we have everybody from North Shore Oneida Lake, Pulaski, Mexico, Phoenix, Fulton, etc. They all stop at the Wal-Mart in Onondaga County.