Residents in Delaware, Ohio have submitted the following update on their battle with Wal-Mart: “Currently a developer has bought 20.4 acres next to our housing development here in Delaware. Wal-Mart has submitted a proposal to build a Super Wal-Mart on
that property, which would take up the entire 20.4 acres. The buffer Zone proposed by Wal-Mart would be only 50ft from our community, and although the land was zoned for commercial use, the City Council has stated that the land was not intended to be used in this way. The process is still in the early stages but my community does not
want this Wal-Mart here as they already have a Super Wal-Mart 5.5 miles south of us. We had an official meeting last night initiated by Wal-Mart to go over the building specs, lighting, traffic etc. The turnout from our community was enormous. It was made clear by members of our community that they are not wanted here. Also in attendance were our Mayor and members of our City Council. I am currently in contact with our Mayor, my city council members and multiple attorneys trying to find the best course of action to stop this.”
The City Council in Delaware is correct: just because land is zoned commercial does not mean that anything goes. The scale of a project can be invoked as a reason to deny a permit. Stores that are too big can have an unmitigated immpact on homes and businesses nearby. For local contacts in Delaware, Ohio, please contact [email protected]