From Deseret News archives:
Mixed reaction to Sugar House Wal-Mart
About 150 people joined Salt Lake City Councilmen Soren Simonsen and JT Martin on Tuesday night at Dilworth Elementary to weigh in on Wal-Mart's plans for a supercenter at 2075 E. Parleys Way.
The hourlong discussion revealed that many residents are dreading the arrival of their future neighbor, fearing that the big-box store will harm local businesses, increase traffic and worsen air quality.
Others are resigned to the fact that Wal-Mart is coming to town, and they're trying to make the best of it.
And some can't wait for the supercenter to open its doors, bringing its bargains and shopping convenience closer to their homes.
"There are more than two sides to this," Simonsen said.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants to demolish a 113,000-square-foot Kmart building and build a superstore roughly the same size on the 10.4-acre parcel.
To do that, the retail giant needs Salt Lake City to amend its master plan and alter zoning in the area — actions that would require approval from the Planning Commission and the council.
Several residents who spoke out during the public meeting opposed a zoning change, saying the city shouldn't cater to big developers at the expense of those in the community.
"Why should our neighborhoods be burdened with the negative effects a rezoning will bring?" resident Jill Parker asked. "I believe our city officials must enforce the rules."
Denying Wal-Mart's request for a zoning change, however, won't keep the big-box retailer out of the community. Wal-Mart does not need a zoning change to remodel and occupy the existing Kmart building, according to the city's planning division.
Troy Herold, vice president of Wal-Mart developer CLC Associates Inc., said that is the backup plan in the event the zoning change is denied.
"Regardless, the community will have a supercenter at this site," Herold said.
Some residents suggested that city officials should deny the zoning change as a form of punishment for Wal-Mart moving into a community where it isn't wanted.
Others, including Elaine Brown, said residents should make the best of the situation and make sure Wal-Mart builds a more modern, energy-efficient store that is designed with community input.
"I think it's very spiteful to say, 'Let them remodel because it will cost them more money,'" Brown said.
Philip Shea stood up in support of Wal-Mart opening on Parleys Way, saying he and his wife are retired senior citizens living on a fixed income.
"We would very much like the convenience of having a Wal-Mart supercenter located near our home so we could take advantage of their competitive prices on food," Shea said.
Residents will have several more chances to speak on the issue as it makes it way through the public process. Simonsen said a vote of the council likely won't come until August or September.
E-mail: jpage@desnews.com
