Business & Tech

Why Walmart Wants to be at Suburban Plaza

The controversial Walmart planned as part of the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza could begin construction as early as next year.

Atlanta-based Selig Enterprises Inc., the developer behind the redevelopment project at the site, aims to bring the Walmart online by 2015.

But the site at Church Street, North Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard has been controversial from the start, leading to a lawsuit.

Good Growth DeKalb, the group that led the charge to block the county's approval of a construction permit, lost that initial round in court on Oct. 31.

But Good Growth DeKalb said it's still weighing its appeal options.

Louise Runyon, a Good Growth DeKalb spokeswoman, told WABE-FM last week that the group hasn't given up.

“We definitely do not feel that this is an out-and-out victory for Selig," she told the station. "In this case, it’s not over yet: this is just one ruling, and we have various legal options.”

Meanwhile, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailing giant, says it's ready to proceed and eager to be in that space just north of Decatur to serve its customers.

Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch caught up with Glen Wilkins, Wal-Mart's director of public affairs and government relations to discuss the chain's growth plans, why Suburban Plaza and the controversy surrounding the project.

Please click on the video to watch our interview.

 

 

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