Neptune Reluctantly OK's Wal-Mart Settlement
Neptune Reluctantly OK's Wal-Mart Settlement
2/26/2007 11pm report
By Kyle Meenan
First Coast News
NEPTUNE BEACH, FL -- Neptune Beach spent $100,000 trying to keep retail giant, Wal-Mart, from building a Superstore on Atlantic Boulevard. But Monday night the City Council reluctantly OK'd a mediator's findings, knowing a legal challenge could cost millions.
"I wish I could say, 'NO! I'm not going to support this,' but for my community, I don't feel like I have any other choice," said Neptune Vice Mayor Harriet Pruett.
"I love this community too much to place us in jeopardy of a million or two or three million lengthy lawsuit in litigation."
For nearly two years residents cried out to the council to reject Wal-Mart, citing increases in noise, traffic and crime.
The matter went before a magistrate, who found the store's arguments for building in Neptune Beach were supported by state law.
It was not welcome news to the City Council.
"All in all this is a discouraging conclusion to a long contest between Wal-Mart and another community that objects to its 'one-size-fits-all' business strategy and slash and burn legal tactics," said Councilor John Weldon.
But in the end it was a 4-to-1 vote to approve the mediated agreement for a small WalMart Superstore.
The Council has until April 2nd to work out details like trucks coming in after 10 p.m. and other issues like noise and traffic.
"We're pleased and excited about the opportunity to serve the residents of Neptune Beach and the beaches communities," said Wal-Mart attorney Karl Sanders.
Construction is set to start in early summer.
Created: 2/26/2007 10:40:05 PM
Updated: 2/27/2007 3:25:35 PM
Edited by Chris Turner, Assignment Desk
© 2007 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
First Coast News -- WTLV NBC-12 and WJXX ABC-25 -- 1070 East Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 -- (904)354-1212
2/26/2007 11pm report
By Kyle Meenan
First Coast News
NEPTUNE BEACH, FL -- Neptune Beach spent $100,000 trying to keep retail giant, Wal-Mart, from building a Superstore on Atlantic Boulevard. But Monday night the City Council reluctantly OK'd a mediator's findings, knowing a legal challenge could cost millions.
"I wish I could say, 'NO! I'm not going to support this,' but for my community, I don't feel like I have any other choice," said Neptune Vice Mayor Harriet Pruett.
"I love this community too much to place us in jeopardy of a million or two or three million lengthy lawsuit in litigation."
For nearly two years residents cried out to the council to reject Wal-Mart, citing increases in noise, traffic and crime.
The matter went before a magistrate, who found the store's arguments for building in Neptune Beach were supported by state law.
It was not welcome news to the City Council.
"All in all this is a discouraging conclusion to a long contest between Wal-Mart and another community that objects to its 'one-size-fits-all' business strategy and slash and burn legal tactics," said Councilor John Weldon.
But in the end it was a 4-to-1 vote to approve the mediated agreement for a small WalMart Superstore.
The Council has until April 2nd to work out details like trucks coming in after 10 p.m. and other issues like noise and traffic.
"We're pleased and excited about the opportunity to serve the residents of Neptune Beach and the beaches communities," said Wal-Mart attorney Karl Sanders.
Construction is set to start in early summer.
Created: 2/26/2007 10:40:05 PM
Updated: 2/27/2007 3:25:35 PM
Edited by Chris Turner, Assignment Desk
© 2007 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
First Coast News -- WTLV NBC-12 and WJXX ABC-25 -- 1070 East Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 -- (904)354-1212
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