Monroe still taking public input on Wal-Mart
Published 12:01 am Thursday, March 17, 2011
MONROE — Didn’t have a chance to speak up about Walmart? You still have another shot.
The City Council extended public hearing testimony about a proposed store to its March 29 meeting and will keep receiving written testimony by fax, mail or e-mail until 5 p.m. Friday.
The council decided to extend the public comment period after about 30 people spoke about the proposed development agreement with Seattle-based real estate company Sabey Corp. at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Most of the 80 people attending the five-hour meeting were against the store.
People in favor said the store will bring money and jobs to the city. Opponents said it will bring more traffic and affect local business in the area.
The deadline for the City Council to approve the development agreement was extended to April 15.
The development agreement has to be approved before Walmart can start construction of a 156,000 square-foot store at the north side of North Kelsey Street.
