UPDATED: Good Growth DeKalb Files Appeal in Suburban Plaza Permit Case, Hold Rally

Good Growth DeKalb, the local group fighting the construction of a Walmart Supercenter in North Decatur's Suburban Plaza, filed its long-expected appeal of a judge's ruling that dismissed its lawsuit against DeKalb County.

The group, which contends its administrative appeal of the Walmart building permit was improperly heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals, also planned a rally at the 6-way intersection of Scott Boulevard and North Decatur and Medlock roads set to coincide with the Friday afternoon rush hour.  

 “At issue here is not only the re-development of Suburban Plaza, but also the rights of any affected citizen in DeKalb to ask that the County follow its own laws in issuing building permits,”  Good Growth DeKalb Co-Chairwoman Louise Runyon said in a statement.

“Good Growth DeKalb is committed to continue to protect neighborhood rights and work for smart, sustainable growth.”

In her Oct. 31 ruling, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie said Selig Enterprises Inc.'s planned redevelopment project can go ahead.

Atlanta-based Selig aims to bring the Walmart online by 2015.

But that ruling, Good Growth DeKalb contends, blocks any DeKalb County citizen or group from challenging the issuance of a building permit through the Technical Board of Appeals.

What's more, the group charges it also generally blocks anyone from being able to "challenge DeKalb County's failure to follow its own ordinances."

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which has built a number of stores in metro Atlanta in the last several years, has said the Suburban Plaza site matches what it seeks in terms of attractive demographics, location and other factors.

In a statement, the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer expressed disappointment at the decision to appeal.

“It’s a shame that once again a small group is trying to block a project that offers such clear benefit to so many in the community," Wal-Mart spokesman Bill Wertz said.

"Our aim is to bring jobs and more affordable prices to DeKalb County, and it would be unfortunate if our plans are delayed still further.”