Council Says No to Wal-Mart Zoning Change

ARLINGTON, TX-City Council has soundly rejected a zoning change for a proposed 208,000-sf Wal-Mart Supercenter that has sparked a five-month feud as hot as the TX weather.

The superstore giant owns 29 acres at 6500 W. Interstate 20 that straddles the Arlington and Kennedale city lines. Neighborhoods have come out in force against Wal-Mart’s plan, with more than 1,400 residents signing petitions to oppose the construction on the Arlington side of the property. Wal-Mart repeatedly has threatened to replot its proposal so the structure will be positioned in Kennedale, which will then reap the economic benefits of the development.

In the midst of the feud in Arlington, Kennedale has enacted restrictions that some say could affect the retail giant’s plan. Wal-Mart officials say their plan was in place prior to this summer’s action by Kennedale council. In a good neighborly gesture, Wal-Mart has included a six-acre landscaping buffer in its plan.