Clairmont Heights Civic Association

Re-posted with permission. From Michelle Page-Rivera via Clairemont Great Lakes Neighborhood Association. "I attended the Walmart hearing today out of general curiosity.  Hearing was related to Seligs request for a variance to reduce the current number of parking spaces at the future Walmart location. Parking would be split between surface parking and underground parking. After much heated discussion among the Board, the request was approved.

Approximately 75 citizens attended the session in opposition (many
discussed wanting to defer due to traffic concerns, others complained
about Walmart specifically). The Board grew tired of hearing from
citizens and "their superfluous comments.". Some citizens were heated.

3 or 4 neighborhood association Board Members voiced in support of
Selig's parking variance. Some stated that underground parking is
better than deck parking. They also mentioned that Selig has been
actively listening to them during discussions.

Selig mentioned that
Staples, Michaels, hhGregg, Dicks Sporting Goods, Home Goods, TJ Maxx
are all possible tenants that could share real estate with Walmart. It
was also mentioned that a sit down table service restaurant would
likely go in (at the request of local citizens). They often drew
comparisons to Howell Mill.

No other grocery store (E.g., Trader Joes) is being courted by Selig
since the Walmart will have a grocery store in its Super Center.

Big Lots will be staying temporarily but all other tenants would be
leaving with the exception of Suburban Lanes Bowling which plans to
expand.

A separate traffic study was submitted by Selig but was not discussed
during this session.

If Selig is listening to citizens regarding possible additional
tenants, greenspace, pedestrian friendly design, traffic management,
etc., that may be where we can have some influence.

Michelle Page-Rivera
mpagerivera@yahoo.com