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Wal-Mart Withdraws Supercenter Plans

Posted by: Nate Berg

9 March 2007 - 10:00am

Wal-Mart has dropped plans to build a "supercenter" store in the East Bay city of Livermore, which has joined many other Northern California cities that have used local powers to prevent the retailer from moving in.

"Less than a year after submitting a proposal to open a new Wal-Mart supercenter at Isabel Avenue and East Jack London Boulevard, the Arkansas-based retail giant has withdrawn its plans."

"The turnaround came after the city's Planning Commission recommended in February that the City Council look at a possible ordinance to limit the scope of such stores."

"The proposed 19-acre Wal-Mart center was unpopular with some community members, who argued it would be detrimental to downtown projects meant to enhance Livermore's small-town feel."

"Livermore is not the only city in the East Bay that has had its struggles with Wal-Mart. On Tuesday, the Concord City Council voted against a 28-acre Jones Ranch project along Arnold Industrial Way, which would have included a 24-hour Wal-Mart store."

"Last month, Antioch's City Council rejected plans for Wal-Mart's expansion into a supercenter. And in November, Hercules' council invoked eminent domain to acquire a lot owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in an attempt to stop the retail giant from coming to town -- saying it would devastate existing business."

Full Story: Wal-Mart abandons plans for Livermore supercenter
Source: The Contra Costa Times, March 8, 2007
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