In this harsh Wisconsin winter, a citizen video is sparking public pressure to build against Simon Property Group’s decision to move the public bus stop 1,000 feet away from Southridge Mall’s entrances.
The video features would-be mall shopper John Haupt, a Wauwatosa resident who suffers from multiple sclerosis. In the video, Haupt chronicles the ordeal of moving from the bus stop to the mall’s northern entrances in a wheelchair.
“No one knows how difficult it is to go uphill in the snow,” Haupt told me. “When I got there, I was shocked at how far it was. (With the video) I have received a lot of encouragement. I haven’t received anything that could be conceived as a negative light.”
The video says it all, and no further comment from me or anyone else is needed to demonstrate the stupidity of the callous decision that is sure to discourage people with disabilities, the elderly, students and low-income people who ride the bus from shopping at the mall. The video has been picked up and featured on local television newscasts, including WISN-Channel 12.
Furthermore, no spin meister, no public relations or marketing wizard and no damage control guru can cast a positive light on Simon’s decision.
It is what it is. Watch the video and see for yourself by clicking here.
To sign a petition to demand that Simon return the bus stop to the entrance of the Sear’s store at Southridge Mall, click here, print and deliver the petition to Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik.
That is all.
Steve Jagler is executive editor of BizTimes Milwaukee.
