I’ve held off as long as I could, but the rash (and this is good thing — I favor as much input on a topic as possible) of liturgies on “the issue” has compelled me to break my silence, even though I may be squashed.

Whether or not to build it, or, more exactly, to allow it to be built, has become a divisive issue in Grand Blanc Township.

A proposed Meijer on Holly and Belsay roads has generated the kind of passionate community involvement and, in some cases, derision, not seen in this area since the failed city-township consolidation attempt of 2006.

Those who have attended the township’s planning commission and board meetings or perused the VIEW’s “Letters to the Editor” have probably come to recognize the two opposing sides: the residents from the “not-in-my-backyard” side who want to preserve the rural character of the area and prevent neon lights from flashing overhead while their children play in the backyard.

And the side that wants the “progress” of convenient shopping and gas savings through shorter commutes to the grocery store, Bambi be damned.

Both of these depictions are hyperbole (just barely), but I think most of you get the point. It’s the fundamental, timeless argument of someone’s perceived progress versus someone else’s perceived preservation.

I really don’t think the progress side would object if the store moved a block or two from the proposed site, as long as they could be guaranteed shorter commutes, a better variety of goods and lower prices.

I also doubt that the preservation side would boycott Meijer in a show of solidarity to their neighbors if the store was moved from the proposed area to a block away.

Continue to make your feelings known to your friends and neighbors, the public and most of all the elected officials who will make the final decision. The final vote hasn’t been cast yet, so there’s still hope for whichever side of the argument you may favor. More voices are always better than fewer, even if your side eventually losses.

Frankly, I’d rather discuss politics, religion, abortion, the death penalty, the war in Iraq or whether or not Pete Rose should be allowed into the baseball Hall of Fame.

It’s safer.

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