Report commissioned by Bozeman can’t find justification for big-box rules

A report commissioned by the City of Bozeman has found that big-box stores are no more a threat to local businesses than other national retail stores, and the city stands on legal thin ice for treating them differently.

The final report by Economic and Planning Systems Inc. of Denver nearly mirrors the draft report it presented to city leaders in December. That report was sent back to the research firm by a Bozeman City Commission largely disappointed with what it got.

But despite input and questions by city commissioners and others involved in the process, EPS reached the same conclusion it had before: There is no justification for treating big-box stores differently than other stores.

By WALT WILLIAMS Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2005/06/13/news/02stores.txt