Fallow said Wal-Mart is aware of its critics and their criticisms: about benefits plans, employee treatment and pay, and the effect on locally owned businesses.

"A lot of people want (the new store) to look like Sugar House Commons," Fallow said. "Or, they want a hotel there, or a dog park. But the reality is that we're not talking about that right now. This is a different alternative, a different retail selection. And ultimately, we're talking about consumer choice. We know our customers are in this area. We just want to serve them, instead of sending them on the road to our other stores."

Bruce Cohne, chairman of the East Bench Community Council, said it's too soon to comment, since Wal-Mart hasn't presented its final plans to the city.

"This is a complex issue and one that should be addressed carefully," Cohne said.

Philip Carlson, chairman of the Sugar House Community Council, said the retailer should adhere to the existing zoning requirements.

"The zoning is in place because of the types of development the community wants in that neighborhood," Carlson said. "If Wal-Mart can work within that, that is great. ... The intent for that area is for a village-like development. It isn't something that Wal-Mart has done in the past, but I hope they will consider it."

If all goes as Wal-Mart would like, Fallow said demolition could begin as soon as January 2008. If the city rejects its application, Fallow said Wal-Mart has a "Plan B" of sorts.

There will be minor remodeling projects: upgrading the electrical system, perhaps, and reconfiguring the rear loading dock to accommodate Wal-Mart's trucks. But the building would remain pretty much as-is.

"If we don't get the rezone, we'll simply take the Kmart sign down, put a Wal-Mart sign up and move in," she said. "We'd operate what we call a Wal-Mart discount store, which would be primarily general merchandise with a small selection of groceries, just as the Kmart has."

---

E-mail: jnii@desnews.com