Little support for proposed ban of chain stores

BOULDER – An informal poll of city council members and business leaders here shows little support for a proposed ban of national merchants to the city.

The Boulder Independent Business Alliance (BIBA) and its supporters say they’re worried about Boulder becoming Anytown U.S.A. They say national chains are driving out local retailers here, and city officials should protect the local merchants and the unique character of Boulder.

Their proposal, called the Community Vitality Act (CVA), is an effort to ban more national merchants to Boulder – Boulder Crossroads being somewhat exempt. Under the CVA’s terms, the city would give bidding preferences to…