Public to Weigh In on Proposed Walmart

A decision to let the visiting team, in this case, Walmart, build where Capital City Stadium now stands, is in the bottom of the ninth. The parcel of land on Assembly Street in downtown Columbia was sold by the City about three months ago to developer, Bright-Meyers. Walmart is one of its clients and reportedly wants to construct a smaller super center that could bring more than 400 jobs. The store would be located in city councilman Brian DeQuincey Newman’s district, district two, where he says an estimated 10% unemployment rate exists. “This is a parcel of land that could be aesthetically pleasing for our city and could bring jobs,” said Newman. “At the same time, those benefits have to be weighed against any potential negatives.” Environmental concerns, harsh impact on small businesses and overcrowding are a few of those potential drawbacks. Newman says he’s received hundreds of calls and emails about the store, all of which he says carry a lot of weight at public input sessions. However, some folks who live near the area aren’t waiting until then to voice their concerns. They have already posted signs in their yard expressing opposition. Other residents say a new Walmart opening is a home run.