A proposed Wal-Mart store in St. Albans town will be the subject of another hearing Thursday night before the local development review board. The retail giant wants to build the store just off Exit 20 of Interstate 89, north of downtown St. Albans.
The board is weighing the impact the store would have on traffic and the local economy. Opponents say they’re concerned about the scale and location of the store. They’ve suggested Wal-Mart build a much smaller store in the downtown district. Supporters of the proposal say Wal-Mart will provide local shoppers with low cost goods and will act as a magnet to bring more business into the area.
In light of intense public interest in the project, the 6:30 p.m. meeting has been moved from the town hall to the elementary school.
If local officials approve the plan, developers will then need to apply for a state Act 250 permit for the project.