Arlington, TX. Controversial Wal-Mart Set to Open

After nearly 8 years, Wal-Mart set to open [Star-Telegram (Texas)]

After nearly eight years of negotiation and controversy, the Wal-Mart Supercenter in southwest Arlington near Little Road and U.S. 287 is scheduled to open Wednesday.

A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at the store, which neighbors once opposed vehemently. Shoppers can cruise the aisles for groceries and household goods beginning at 8 a.m.

Background

Several factors contributed to the time it took the Wal-Mart to open.

Because the store is in Arlington and its parking lot is in Kennedale, the two cities spent months negotiating how to split sales tax revenue. They eventually agreed that Arlington will get 75 percent and Kennedale 25 percent.

Opposition from neighbors was also an issue.

They complained that the store would increase traffic and crime significantly, and that trash could litter the lot. They spent hours lobbying city leaders to deny the store’s zoning request.

Some of their traffic concerns were alleviated by the widening of Little Road from four to six lanes and by a store design that blends with the neighborhood.

Store manager Tim Long said all the neighbors he has talked to said they are happier about eased traffic congestion on Little Road now that the expansion is complete.

But Tom Osbakken, who lives in the nearby gated Georgetown Commons neighborhood, said he’s still not happy.

“I have to be optimistic that we’re still going to enjoy where we live,” he said. “Traffic is still going to be pretty horrendous at Christmastime, but the road work should abate some of the traffic congestion until then.”

Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck said the store will benefit the city.

“It’s one of the prettiest Wal-Mart stores I’ve seen,” he said. “I’m glad it’s opening and that the roads have been completed as promised. We think Wal-Mart will be a good neighbor.”

Wal-Mart contributions

The road expansion cost $2.6 million, with Wal-Mart paying $263,000 of that for road striping and extra turn lanes, project engineer Keith Brooks said. The city’s portion was paid for with bond money.

The retail giant painted the store’s exterior in muted desert tones instead of the typical gray and installed a wrought-iron fence around the parking lot.

The store plans to give $18,000 to local charitable and law enforcement organizations, such as the Arlington Boys & Girls Clubs and the Arlington and Kennedale police departments, Long said.

The store also includes energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction, such as LED lighting, skylights and concrete flooring made with recycled materials.

Wal-Mart officials would not reveal projected sales tax revenue or how much it cost to build the store. The store will sell the same kind of merchandise as most Supercenters, including groceries, beer and wine.

All Wal-Mart stores will cash economic stimulus rebate checks from the government for free with no purchase necessary.

But Mike Talambas, a member of the South West Action Team neighborhood group, said it is still opposed to the store.

“I don’t think anyone is looking forward to it opening, even with the road work,” he said.

Wal-Mart Supercenter

425 - Associates employed at the store

$18,000 - Amount Wal-Mart plans to give to area charities and law enforcers

203,561 - Store’s square footage