MINNESOTA SITE FIGHT: WAL-MART MIGHT OCCUPY UNDEVELOPED LAND

Topics: | Minnesota | Community Impact | Environment | Traffic/Sprawl | | | |

Sartell may get Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club [St. Cloud Times (Minn.)]

SARTELL — The rumors about what might be built in Sartell on almost 100 acres along Minnesota Highway 15 have run wild for years.

It now looks like a Wal-Mart Supercenter and Sam’s Club could anchor two ends of the property. A proposal going before the Sartell Planning Commission and City Council next month puts some certainty to the 97 acres, which is owned by Sartell Partners LLC.

Wal-Mart would build a 176,000-square-foot store on 18.2 acres on the north side of the property, according to the site plan submitted by developers. A 142,000-square-foot Sam’s Club would be built on 16 acres on the other end of the property. A gas station and car wash are also proposed.

Wal-Mart Supercenters typically include retail, a grocery store and a seasonal garden center. Sam’s Clubs are warehouse stores that offer bulk purchases.

Officials from Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Ark., did not return calls Thursday.

The property, bordered by Minnesota Highway 15 and Stearns County roads 1 and 120, has been the subject of much discussion in Sartell and the region.

“It’s been very entertaining the last couple years listening to what the rumor mill was. It is nice to finally know what is officially being requested and by whom,” City Administrator Patti Gartland said.

What’s next

In May, plans to build a Supercenter and Sam’s Club in Waite Park on Minnesota Highway 23 and 10th Avenue South came to a halt.

Sartell city officials received the plans Wednesday afternoon that would bring the world’s largest retailer to the location. The Sartell Planning Commission and City Council would have to review the plans in November, City Administrator Patti Gartland said.

The developer, Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust, is not asking for city assistance with the project, Gartland said. The city in May approved a permit for the site as a commercial development. It allows for up to 650,000 square feet of retail space on the property.

If approved, the development moves Sartell further toward its goal of providing more shopping opportunities for residents, City Planning Director Anita Rasmussen said,

“For years, there has always been a long desire to have Sartell become more self-sufficient. We can do our shopping. We don’t necessarily have to leave home to take care of some of those needs,” Rasmussen said.

Wal-Mart had $374.5 billion in sales for its last fiscal year. It has 4,100 stores in the United States and 3,100 in other parts of the world. Its stores include Wal-Mart Supercenters, discount stores,

Neighborhood markets and Sam’s Club warehouses. Wal-Mart is in St. Cloud on 33rd Avenue North and Sam’s Club is on Second Street in St. Cloud.

The Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and other companion businesses can provide a synergy for additional development in the corridor, Rasmussen said.

“Any type of retail, no matter what type of retail it is, will provide additional traffic,” Rasmussen said.

Improvements will be needed to County Roads 1 and 120, including two roundabouts, according to the plans. The development site also needs some road work, Rasmussen said. The developer will pay for that construction, she said.

Neighbors react

The early reaction of some of the neighbors is mixed. Some people who live in the area are not excited. Managers of nearby businesses say the development is good for the region.

Bob Thienes lives on Lucille Lane in the Tilden Woods neighborhood off County Road 120.

“The fact is it’s a commercial property. It sits right next to Highway 15. They were going to put something there. I’m not thrilled about it, but there is nothing you can do,” Thienes said.

Jean Sigler also lives on Lucille Lane.

She worries about the people it will bring to the neighborhood.

“I’m not really excited about it. I think it will change traffic. It worries me with all the traffic it will bring in,” Sigler said.

Still, Sigler said it will have a positive overall impact.

“I think it will bring people from Sartell, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud,” Sigler said.

Wade Sorenson, store manager at Sherwin-Williams in Sartell, said he attracts a different customer for his paint than Wal-Mart.

“I’m excited. A lot more foot traffic will be in the area. Someone who is looking for a discount price on a DVD might look for more quality when it comes to paint for a house.

“It makes my store more visible to more people,” Sorenson said.

Jennifer Witham, manager at G-Allen’s restaurant in Sartell, said the Wal-Mart will be great for business.

“People won’t have to go across town to get stuff,” Witham said.

Posted by Luke West on Friday, October 10, 2008