Wal-Mart Pulls Plan to Build SuperCenter on Sensitive Land

After years of protests and obstacles, Wal-Mart has given up on plans to build a giant SuperCenter store on the environmentally-sensitive White Slough in Vallejo, CA.

Environmental activists were joined by Vallejoans for Responsible Growth and California Healthy Communities Network in their opposition to the plans from the start. Due to their vocal opposition, Vellejo’s city council forced a $700,000 independent environmental investigation into the plans in 2007.

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Wal-Mart has listed the property for sale on their website. Let’s just hope it doesn’t end up in the hands of another big box store.

“The Wal-Mart plan would have devastated the Slough and wildlife.” said Joe Feller of Vallejoans for Responsible Growth. “Now, it appears Wal-Mart has given in to the citizens’ demand to simply leave. Wal-Mart’s exit paves the way for a revitalized downtown and enhances our eco-tourism offerings.”

White Slough, not technically a protected area, is home to an increasing population of wildlife, a common migratory stop for birds, and stands between the city and the Napa River.

But not everyone understands what this sale means: “This is an opportunity for an appropriate business to be located on a Prime Commercial Site,” said City Council member Joanne Schivly.

Really, Schivly? Can’t we just leave it sitting on the market for eternity?

Photo Credit:dave_mcmt on Flickr under Creative Commons license.

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