Pure Madnesson

Alderman Jed Sanborn issued a press release today announcing his intent to propose repeal of Madison's Big Box Ordinance. The current ordinance, passed last year, places major restrictions on big box retailers.

According to Sanborn, "It's just not right that you can't buy big boxes in Madison." He says that the current law, designed to promote better land use and prevent urban sprawl by not allowing those moving to the suburbs or the city's periphery to purchases large boxes for packing, is unnecessary. Sanborn believes that there is a market for big boxes, and not allowing residents to purchase them interferes with the free market.

Sanborn insists there is a need for big boxes in Madison that is no longer being met. He also points to numerous big box stores that have gone out of business due to the ordinance. Alderman Zach Brandon agrees, saying, "We are chasing businesses out of Madison. Selling small boxes just is not as profitable as those big boxes." Brandon points out that one of his employees moved recently and could not find any boxes big enough for his belongings. Both Brandon and Sanborn refer to the law as "social engineering."

Some defend the current legislation. Alderman Ken Golden, one of the ordinance's original sponsors who has been accused of compromising away the intent of the law through allowing the sale of mid-size boxes, likes the Big Box ordinance as it is. "In addition to fighting sprawl, this law helps the environment by reducing carboard usage in the community. Though corrugated carboard is recyclable, many people still throw their big moving boxes in the garbage. We have reduced cardboard waste by nearly 75%."

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz is also disappointed by Sanborn's repeal attempt. Cieslewicz says that changes to improve the ordinance are already in the works, and Sanborn's efforts may interfere with the ability to improve the law. The proposed amendments were planned to be released upon completion of a city study of the ordinance due for completion next month but may be introduced sooner in order to block Sanborn's repeal. Some changes include adjusting the size restrictions to better meet box producers' standards and exempting some big box retailers that sell their boxes exclusively to students.

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce supports Sanborn's repeal efforts, though, claiming that small business is suffering. Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Alexander would prefer such decisions be made on a national or statewide level. According to Alexander, "We've created an island for box distributors. Customers needing big boxes must travel outside of the city to purchase them, forcing our own big box small businesses to close or move out of the city."