Racial fears seen as part of Best Buy opposition.

What seemed like a routine matter when a Best Buy store was proposed for RiverPoint Village Shopping Center has ignited a debate over what type of retailers - and shoppers - should be welcome in this affluent North Shore suburb. Some raised concerns about the people the store might attract, and potential crime. With a new store, opponents say, Best Buy may close its location near the former Northridge Mall on Milwaukee's northwest side, bringing those customers to RiverPoint. Fox Point is 99% white, according to census data, while Milwaukee's northwest side has a substantial black population. "I believe that they've made it very clear they don't want people coming to Fox Point from other parts of town," said Ned Brickman, whose partnership owns RiverPoint. [more]