Part 5/13:
The physical footprint of big box stores typically necessitates extensive parking lots, reinforcing dependence on automobiles for access. This car-centric model strains municipal budgets as cities grapple with the costs of expansive infrastructure like roads and utilities to support these developments, all while dismantling existing public transit options, thereby reducing accessibility for those who do not drive. The reality is cities often find themselves subsidizing these enterprises, channeling funds away from supporting their own communities and traditional urban areas.