WCOM NEWS

6-02-05

As residents protest, hearing delayed on Super Wal-Mart in Miramar

MIRAMAR--Commissioners pushed back their next hearing on a proposal to build a Super Wal-Mart from later this month to September after the mayor requested more information about the store's impact on traffic and crime.

Wal-Mart wants to build a Superstore at Flamingo Road and Miramar Parkway and is requesting the property be rezoned from rural to community business.

At the City Commission meeting on Wednesday night about 50 residents who were opposed to the proposal came out wearing anti-Wal-Mart T-shirts, and they vowed to continue to fight the proposal.

No public comment was allowed at the meeting because it was the first reading. The next hearing is scheduled Sept.7.

Some of the more vocal opponents against Wal-Mart are from Monarch Lakes, the housing community next to the site. Residents say they fear the 245,000-square-foot store would increase traffic and crime and decrease property values.

Wal-Mart officials however, said they're prepared to address the concerns of residents and intend to provide adequate buffers at the site.

But resident Angie Flores came to the meeting with a sign that read: "Three is enough," which she said shows that there is no need for another Wal-Mart in the area.

Rick Luces, a resident and Monarch Lakes board member said he was pleased with the commission's decision to delay the second hearing.

"It shows they're not going to rush to make a decision," Luces said. "And we're going to battle this out to the end."

(source) Sun Sentinel (Georgia East) 6-02-05