Are Big-box Superstores The New Town Squares?

Malls have been replaced by big-box superstores as the new town square. How long will it be until they have to surrender control to people exercising their free-speech rights?

1 minute read

November 11, 2003, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"The point of the landmark Pruneyard Shopping Center ruling in 1979 was that people who have something to say must be allowed to do it at the mall, even though their leafleting and sign carrying would be taking place on some companys private property.But just as town squares vanished, or at least turned into desolate quarters of downtown, the malls too are disappearing, being replaced by big-box superstores like Target, Home Depot and Wal-Mart. The law has yet to catch up. Petitioning is common outside superstores, but no rulings yet have cleared up whether standalone big boxes are the new town squares and must surrender some of their control to people exercising their free-speech rights. So far it doesn't look good."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: To Speak or Not To Speak

Wednesday, November 12, 2003 in LA Weekly

Land Use California

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.