Plans To Build Target In San Rafael Remain On Hold
SAN RAFAEL (KCBS) _ A controversial plan to build a Target store in San Rafael is no closer to reality after a lengthy public meeting went late into Monday night.
The new Target would include an expanded grocery section and would be located in East San Rafael at the Shoreline Center.
KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:
Target Senior Regional Real Estate Manager Brian Treber said his company is ready to make a big investment to make the plan a reality.
"We're confident in going ahead and investing $50 million here to open up a store," said Treber. "I don't know many other businesses that would do that."
Critics at Monday's city council meeting said the store would only create low-paying jobs and could drive local companies out of business.
"While the store is pretending to provide for the less wealthy, my sense is that they actually perpetuate poverty," said one local resident.
City council members said they need more information from Target to determine the retailer's potential community impact.
Even if the city council approves the project, opponents are threatening a lawsuit and to seek a voter referendum.
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