Good Growth DeKalb: County Has Issued Walmart Permit

Good Growth DeKalb, the North Decatur group fighting the construction of a Walmart Supercenter in Suburban Plaza, says a lawsuit to stop the international retailer is imminent after the shopping center's owners were granted a permit last week to begin construction.

"DeKalb County finally granted Selig Enterprises their first permit (for land disturbance) this past week," the group wrote in an email to supporters. "This means that we have 30 days to take legal action."

Suburban Plaza is an aging shopping center located just outside the Decatur city limits. It's one of the areas Decatur is considering for anexation.

The group has said for months on its website that its lawyers, hired in February, have identified an issue in the development plans to challenge legally. They have not clarified that publicly, however, saying only on their site: "In the face of the county’s antiquated zoning laws, which date from the 1950s and give free range to developers, this is a huge piece of news."

The group plans to protest the construction again in front of the shopping center at the intersection of Scott Boulevard, North Decatur Road and Medlock Road from 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, according to the email.

The Walmart Supercenter is part of a larger renovation of the aging Suburban Plaza. Selig Enterprises, the shopping center's owners, have said the Walmart is critical to luring strong brands to revitalize the plaza.