Little Town That Could May Keep Fighting Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart wants in, but will town open its arms to retail giant?
By BRIAN HAMACHER
Updated 11:30 AM EST, Wed, Nov 4, 2009
The town of Davie may not want a Wal-Mart, but it just might get stuck with the low-price superstore.
After several successful attempts to fend of Wally World from intruding, Davie will once again have to decide whether to keep fighting or settle a lawsuit the retail store filed against the town.
The Town Council is expected to vote tonight on the settlement that would allow a 165,000-square-foot store to be run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Wal-Mart had wanted to build a larger, 203,000-square-foot, 24-hour superstore in 2006, but the Town Council rejected the deal.
The store filed a lawsuit against the town, but a Broward judge ruled that Davie didn't have to allow the store into town.
Wal-Mart filed yet another lawsuit in 2007, and now both sides have been ordered to mediate the case.
Earlier this week, residents seemed resigned to the reality of the retail behemoth invading their lives.
"It's the David and Goliath scenario," Jerry Licari told the Sun-Sentinel. "It looks like a go unless a miracle happens."
Residents like Joel Spiegelman said Wal-Mart doesn't belong as a practical matter.
"Davie does not need a Wal-Mart," Spiegelman told the Sun-Sentinel. "The congestion will be unbelievable. If they approve this, it's going to lower our property values."
Davie's Town Council meets at 6 p.m. tonight and the meeting is open to the public.
First Published: Nov 4, 2009 11:22 AM EST
You Might Like
You have 2000 characters left
