Chicago-Area Wal-Mart Faces Massive Delays

New Wal-Mart delayed almost a year [Chicago Sun-Times]

An extension of a special use permit for a drive-through pharmacy was approved by the Matteson Village Board Monday, a sign that the new Super Wal-Mart store will not be opening as soon as previously thought.

The prior special use permit, approved March 5, 2007, was to expire in one year.

When the announcement was made in early 2007, officials said the national retailer would relocate and be open for business in 2008

Now, the store may not open until the summer of 2009.

Wal-Mart will be located on the southeast corner of Old Plank Trail and Cicero Avenue, across the street from the existing Wal-Mart.

Construction of the larger, 159,000-square-foot store is pending an Army Corps of Engineering wetland mitigation permit.

The total development will include four outlots for smaller stores and restaurants and two big box lots for stores comparable to Office Max, officials said.

The Super Wal-Mart will feature a pharmacy and grocery items in addition to the retailer’s standard offerings.

Officials said construction and permit issuance was delayed due to the significant amount of wetlands and flood plain on the property.

“They’re in the process right now of getting the public comment,” village planner Rich Smeaton said, adding that adjacent property owners are being sent notices regarding the public comment.

In lieu of the new facility, Smeaton said the old Wal-Mart building would be razed for redevelopment or sold to another company.

“We’re looking forward to new the Wal-Mart opening,” Smeaton said.

Posted by Alex Goldschmidt on Monday, February 11, 2008

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