Wal-Mart Woes

In response to a proposed Wal-Mart Super Center store at the corner of Macon and Houston Levee, a group of residents have recently formed Citizens for Sustainable Growth.

The group, which includes the Gray's Creek Association, the Cordova Leadership Council, and Parents and Friends of Macon Hall Elementary, are concerned that the area will not be able to handle the traffic increase.

"It's not just the nearby residents that foot the bill for urban sprawl. The entire county will pay the price," the group's counsel, Brian Stephens, said in a released statement. "This means less money for other areas, increases in taxes, and emergency vehicles will be further stretched to cover the increased demand in services."

As part of a concession to Land Use Control Board concerns, Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $2 million for infrastructure improvements at the intersection.

The group is also concerned that the new store will mean closing nearby, already established Wal-Mart stores and notes that Wal-Mart has never opened a new store in an existing market without closing another store.

In a comment to the Flyer last month, Wal-Mart corporate spokesperson Dennis Alpert said, "When we open a store, we make a commitment to the community. Opening a new store does not mean that we will close another store in the area."

To read that earlier Flyer story, click here.