EDMOND, Oklahoma -
Residents
are expressing their outrage over a proposed grocery store in an upscale metro
neighborhood. On Thursday night many residents there gathered to speak out
about the big business wanting to move into their back yards.
Wal-Mart
says they want to be good neighbors so they conducted an hour-long presentation
to talk about moving a neighborhood market into Edmond. But homeowners near the
proposed location at Coffee Creek and Kelley say they don't want a corporate
neighbor in their community.
Developers
made a presentation to dozens of apprehensive Edmond homeowners who said Wal-Mart
isn't wanted or needed at the northwest corner of Coffee Creek and Kelley
The area is
zoned as a restricted commercial, but Wal-Mart officials are asking for a permit
to sell groceries. However, several homeowners believe the planning commission
should block big business.
Wal-Mart
points out it will exceed public works requirements and add an acre of green
space. And they say all current trees will remain, but that doesn't provide
much comfort.
The next
discussion of the Wal-Mart becoming a neighbor will be at a planning meeting the
week of Thanksgiving, on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at the Planning Commission, and again
on Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Council chamber.
Wal-Mart
faces a battle if it wants to add an additional Edmond store. This neighborhood
market would be open 24/7.
