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WILL SCOTT SHUFORD AND THE ASHEVILLE ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF ALLOW THE CONTINUANCE?

The Jan. 25 letter to the city, which was taken from a PDF file, was signed by Ashley H. Story of the international law firm Troutman Sanders LLP. The letter requests that the Asheville City zoning department, which is lead by Scott Shuford, allow Wal-Mart more time to address public concerns, as follows:

”We are writing to you in regard to the proposed Wal-Mart SuperCenter referenced above. As you know, Wal-Mart is currently schedule [sic] to make a full presentation regarding the proposed Wal-Mart at the February 1, 2006, Planning and Zoning Board (“PZB”) meeting. However, in an effort to adequately address the concerns raised by City Council, PZB, and the citizens of Asheville, Wal-Mart will be respectfully requesting a thirty (30) day continuance.

“Following the January 4, 2006, PZB meeting, Wal-Mart has been actively seeking feedback from City Coucil, PZB, and the citizens of Asheville, regarding the development of the site in a manner that best preserves Asheville’s character and community. In an effort to address every comment, Wal-Mart has been preparing a memorandum for PZB’s use and review. Additionally, Wal-Mart is also reviewing the possibility of incorporating certain design changes to accommodate comments which have been presented to Wal-Mart.

“For these reasons, we would respectfully request a continuance from the February 1, 2006 PZB calendar. It is Wal-Mart’s hope that the thirty (30) day continuance will be enough time to respond more fully and completely to the questions and comments.

“Please let us know what we should do to facilitate the continuance in a manner that would best accommodate the time and concerns of the City of Asheville and its citizens. Thank you again for your assistance in this manner and we look forward to continuing to working with you and the City of Asheville.”

The Jan. 25 dated and certified letter on behalf of Wal-Mart was mailed from the Raleigh office of Troutman Sanders LLP, Attorneys At Law. Troutman Sanders has offices worldwide, which include the cities of Atlanta, Hong Kong, London, New York, Norfolk, Raleigh, Richmond, Tysons Corner, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1897, the Atlanta-based Troutman Sanders has risen to national and international prominence, and has approximately 600 attorneys. Its official website is www.troutmansanders.com.

Wal-Mart’s official website is www.walmartstores.com, and explains that as the nation and world’s number one retailer it “has been an engine for making jobs,” as follows:

”The company Sam built has become the world's number one retailer. Diversification into grocery (Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets), international operations and membership warehouse clubs (SAM'S Clubs), has created greater opportunities for growth. But unlike some corporations whose financial growth does not translate into more jobs, Wal-Mart's phenomenal growth has been an engine for making jobs.

“As of December 31, 2005, the Company had 1,224 Wal-Mart stores, 1,929 Supercenters, 558 SAM’S CLUBS and 97 Neighborhood Markets in the United States. Internationally, the Company operated units in Argentina (11), Brazil (155), Canada (263), Central America (140), China (56), Germany (88), Japan (404), Mexico (786), Puerto Rico (54), South Korea (16) and the United Kingdom (313).”

WILL ANOTHER WAL-MART IMPROVE DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE'S COMMUNTY CHARACTER?

Wal-Mart's website makes no mention of the proposed SuperCenter in West Asheville, nor any further details about why its new mega complex will help retain the character and vitality of Downtown Asheville and the Asheville area community.

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE SURROUNDED BY WAL-MART STORES AND SAM'S

Currently, the Wal-Mart corporation has a Sam's located in West Asheville, located three minutes from downtown Asheville. Wal-Mart recently expanded upon its initally approved plans when it built its controversial first mega center located approximately five minutes north of Downtown Asheville, situated near I-240, Tunnel Road and the Asheville Mall.

On the southside, Wal-Mart operates a store less than one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at Hendersonville Road.

All current and proposed Wal-Mart and Sam Club stores are located within approximately 3 to 15 minutes from Downtown Asheville.

For Wal-Mart’s annual report in a PDF file, click here.

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