Walmart defends proposed store

By: Staff | Orange County Review
Published: May 07, 2009

In a statement released this week by Walmart Stores, Inc., executives said the 138,000-square foot Walmart store project, which as proposed, would be built near the intersection of Route 3 and Route 20 in Orange County, is-and has been from the beginning-"in keeping with the unique character of Orange County."
According to the release, it is the right of preservationist groups to voice opposition to the project, but "they consistently fail to mention some basic facts."
What Walmart executives claim have been omitted by preservationists are that nearly one-third of the proposed site will be placed in conservation easement; that the store will be close to a quarter of a mile from Route 3, behind extensive buffering and landscaping; that already in the area are two strip malls, a number of commercial stores and a major four-lane highway between the proposed store and the National Park; that the Walmart property has been zoned for commercial uses for 24 years and is designated for commercial uses in the county's Comprehensive Plan; that the same site runs the risk of development for other commercial uses without design and aesthetic controls; and that a recent poll conducted by an independent firm for Walmart found there is overwhelming support within Orange County for the store and that the proposed store would not negatively impact the Civil War sites.
"Our research has consistently shown that people in this community want additional retail options and that the new store will not diminish the important historical attractions in the area," the statement said.
Meanwhile, information released by the Wilderness Battlefield Coalition, a group of nine preservationist and activist organizations, claims the Walmart stores' close proximity to historic areas threatens the integrity of the area.
Instead, the Wilderness Battlefield Coalition has proposed a delay in the county application and permitting process so that an alternate site for commercial development can be found. Recently, the Orange County Board of Supervisors said they would not support the coalition's request to delay the Walmart project.
An Orange County Planning Commission public hearing on Walmart's application for a special use permit is expected to be May 21.

Walmart defends proposed store

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