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It's a Wal-Mart after all

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BY DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Feb 12, 2007 - 09:47:50 pm CST

Northeast Lincoln is getting a Wal-Mart after all.

More than a year after Mayor Coleen Seng threatened to veto plans for a development that included a Wal-Mart Supercenter, the developer said Wal-Mart is coming to the area, but will be smaller than originally envisioned in order to adhere to Seng’s size restriction.

Developer Steve Champoux said he was submitting “use plans” with the city that call for a Wal-Mart at his Prairie Village North development near 84th and Adams streets.

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(LJS File)

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“It’s time north Lincoln got a shopping center to compete with south Lincoln,” Champoux said Monday.

The City Council and mayor signed off on Champoux’s revised development last week, but tenants weren’t identified in the plans.

Originally in 2005, the Wal-Mart was slated for the southeast side of 84th and Adams, but a nearby church protested and it was moved north.

Champoux’s early plans included a 230,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter, but Seng threatened to veto the plans, saying that was too big for the area. She later asked the City Council to limit the big box to 175,000 square feet.

Wal-Mart spokesmen long maintained that anything smaller than 195,000 square feet would be too small. Champoux talked to Target representatives, but said they weren’t interested in the area.

Even though Seng said it was a land use issue, not a Wal-Mart issue, the debate before the City Council became a Wal-Mart issue, drawing a roomful of opponents and inspiring legions of letters to the editor.

Four of the seven council members supported the original plan, but five votes are needed to override a veto. In January 2006 the council delayed action because no compromise could be reached.

Two weeks ago, Champoux returned to the council with new plans that called for two 175,000-square-foot big box stores with a pedestrian-friendly “town center” between them. The town center includes smaller retail stores and parking.

Combined, the two big boxes will be bigger than the original Wal-Mart Supercenter, but most likely because the business wasn’t mentioned, not a single person showed up last week to oppose the plans. The council approved the development, and the mayor signed off on it.

The irony was not lost on Champoux: “Without Wal-Mart’s name on it… nobody shows up and nobody cares,” he said.

On Monday, Seng said she wasn’t surprised that Wal-Mart will be one of the two big box tenants.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” she said. “It’s the right size development for the zoning that’s allowed. It will fit.”

She said the new plans are “so much better than before.”

“I never said I was opposed to Wal-Mart,” she said. “I was concerned about the size of the development.”

However, Champoux maintains that in private meetings with the mayor and several of her staffers last year, Seng said she would work with anybody but Wal-Mart.

“I even made her say it twice,” he said.

Seng did not return a call later Monday seeking comment about Champoux’s assertion.

The developer says the controversy and delays and revisions cost him about a half million dollars in extra engineering, legal fees, taxes and interest.

“It was a shame that they had to play such games with our project over the preference of one store over another at our expense,” he said.

Champoux will spend less money up front on city infrastructure costs. Under the original plans, he would have kicked in some $5 million primarily for street improvements in the area, which the city would have paid back when impact fees began being paid by homeowners and businesses. The revised plan requires him to front the city less than $2 million.

Champoux said the shopping center is designed to look something like the upscale Village Pointe shopping center in west Omaha — with large anchors on each end of a main street-like shopping village.

The Prairie Village North development also includes more than 800 homes, townhomes and apartments.

As for the other big box store, Champoux said he’d like to get a home improvement store or Gordman’s, for example.

The development will also have restaurants, banks and possibly an assisted living center.

“It’s not just a Wal-Mart,” Champoux said. “We have the opportunity to make this a very nice shopping center (that will) rival anywhere in town.”

Champoux said Wal-Mart hopes to be open by Christmas. Company representatives were not available for comment.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com..


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s wrote on February 12, 2007 3:14 pm:
" Finally!!!!!! Let the complaining begin for all those people that don't live in the area! Nobody ever seems to complain that there is a Walgreens on every other corner in Lincoln. Don't you think they take business away from the little guys?!? "

 ROFL wrote on February 12, 2007 3:16 pm:
" Yet another fine mess someone got us into (the payment for less infrastructure by the developer and still having the same developments). Well, at least I can be amused that Walmart is finally coming to that area and hope that the one on 27th becomes slightly less crowded finally... "

 Kevin wrote on February 12, 2007 3:18 pm:
" Nice...we lose a nice little golf course and pick up a couple of huge retailers stores to make that area of Lincoln look even worse. Nice job city of Lincoln! "

 James wrote on February 12, 2007 3:20 pm:
" Darn. There goes the neighborhood. "

 local wrote on February 12, 2007 3:21 pm:
" boo "

 John W. wrote on February 12, 2007 3:23 pm:
" there goes 84th Street, that's going to be 1 congested roadway "

 Lisa wrote on February 12, 2007 3:26 pm:
" YES!!! "

 CarCar wrote on February 12, 2007 3:31 pm:
" Oh boy, more cheap plastic Chinese junk to fill the houses of Lincolnites who shop, shop, shop without a thought in their heads about where the money goes and what it endorses. "

 Ryan wrote on February 12, 2007 3:38 pm:
" Yay! Just what I always wanted! Oh wait, I was thinking of variety and well-paying jobs for Lincoln. My bad. "

 AL wrote on February 12, 2007 3:40 pm:
" That's our city council/mayor for you.....deny a development that the developer is paying a substantial amount of the infrastructure but years and $$ later approve revised plans that will cost the city (tax payers) more for the infastructure. I'm surprised any business wants to deal with Lincoln! "

 Jake wrote on February 12, 2007 3:47 pm:
" Wal-Marts turn nice areas into really trashy areas. I hope this doesn't happen here because 84th & Adams is a nice area right now. How much will this lower the property of homes around there? "

 Givemeabreak wrote on February 12, 2007 3:49 pm:
" A town Lincoln's size needs another WalMart like it needs another hole in its head. "

 so what do you think? wrote on February 12, 2007 3:59 pm:
" Will it be wally world at one end and sam's club at the other? "

 so now who is paying for infrastructure wrote on February 12, 2007 4:01 pm:
" And who pays now? Guess who. You nad me. Thanks Coleen! "Under the original plans, Champoux would have kicked in some $5 million in infrastructure in the area. The revised plan requires him to ante up much less" "

 danny lynn wrote on February 12, 2007 4:01 pm:
" i moved to the NE side to get away from Wal-Mart, i guess it's time to move again "

 finally wrote on February 12, 2007 4:06 pm:
" finally lincoln will be getting two new walmarts and finally let the 27th store return to a more typical walmart in that there will be less customers in the store and better service to the customers "

 omnione wrote on February 12, 2007 4:08 pm:
" Talk about getting around the rules.......By the way, Village Pointe is the analogue to SouthPoint here in Lincoln. This design so far doesn't resemble anything like that. Considering that some residents did not want the extra traffic in that area, a Village Pointe-like mall in that area probably wouldn't appease them either. However, I will admit that the prospects of a "NorthPointe" sound intriguing and overdue. "

 Reader wrote on February 12, 2007 4:17 pm:
" If there is a will there is a way. Becareful for what you ask for you might not want what you get. A lot of lessons to be learned. Maybe we can get or heads on straight for the development of the new fair grounds that will end up on the same side of town. Final lesson if you don't like new development don't build or buy things in corn fields. "

 Small business owner wrote on February 12, 2007 4:21 pm:
" If you don't like what they are don't shop there and don't let family and friends either. Until then let developent move on because it saves us all more money in the long run. "

 Mike Honcho wrote on February 12, 2007 4:27 pm:
" "Talk about getting around the rules..."???? What? It sounds to me like they are now following the rules. Are brands such as Stanley, Hoover, RCA, and Kodak all of the sudden under the umbrella of "cheap plastic Chinese junk"? Because Wal-Mart sells all of those brands...and if I were Chinese, I would consider that comment extremely offensive...as if the Chinese are incapable of producting quality products. "

 Sean wrote on February 12, 2007 4:27 pm:
" I'm glad to see we are finally getting rid of those trees and rolling hills and replacing them with acres and acres of brightly lit, glistening concrete that will be empty but for a half-dozen days per year. I don't care who is occupying the buildings...its a disgusting use of space. "

 Target Lover wrote on February 12, 2007 4:28 pm:
" Could we get anything other than another stinking Walmart, a Super Target would have been nice. "

 another walmart? wrote on February 12, 2007 4:29 pm:
" Lincoln doesn't need another walmart. This town hardly seems big enough for the two that we have. If the northeast needs a shoping center to compete with south Lincoln, it should get one with stores that aren't already here. New and different stores would also draw people from othere parts of town. Why not a Whole Foods Market? "

 Jim wrote on February 12, 2007 4:36 pm:
" We need to stop ALL development east of 84th street! Focus on redeveloping the center of the city. Urban sprawl is never the answer. Do you really want this city to become like Los Angeles? Backassward, the Nebraska way. "

 bill wrote on February 12, 2007 4:36 pm:
" South Lincoln gets nice upscale stores, North Lincoln gets yucky trash stores. "

 useage wrote on February 12, 2007 4:40 pm:
" for those of you complaining about lossing the rolling hills, trees and grass. i have one thing to say. why didn't you buy it and paid the huge taxes, with no income to offset the cost. if you want to be mad about something be mad that once again seng is costing the city boo kooo bucks in infrastructure. oh well that's why we have impact fee, right? "

 joe wrote on February 12, 2007 4:45 pm:
" hello people... if you don't like walmart then dont shop there... but obviously a lot of people like walmart by the fact that the north store is continually busy... i'd never shop at target... i'm getting the same stuff at walmart, except that i save money in the process... i'm not going to pay target more just to feel better about myself "

 Sounds Good wrote on February 12, 2007 4:46 pm:
" Sounds like we got a better plan because of the Mayor's efforts. 800 homes, Townhomes and apartments? That sounds great!!! Not only is Wal-Mart getting a store...they get customers and employees right next door! I hope the price of those rentals is reasonable...those tenants are going to need a price break! "

 Whatever! wrote on February 12, 2007 4:49 pm:
" Dont shop there then. I bet all of you complaining will be the first in line. What is so wrong with Wal-Mart? Same stuff at lower prices not rocket science, unless you have money to throw away. Maybe Wal-Mart just isn't up scale enough for you. I remember when it was totally uncool to shop at K-Mart, and even worse if a friend saw you in there. Grow up, its just a store. The church there had a lot to do with all of the complaining, maybe people that are'nt Luthren should have complained about them. "

 TS wrote on February 12, 2007 4:51 pm:
" I bet the people in the neighborhood are happy happy happy. And the people that use Adams and 84 street. They are happy to. "

 happy for wally world, chumps. wrote on February 12, 2007 4:53 pm:
" I'm not sure if any of the 'we don't need another Wal-Mart in Lincoln' folks have been to the north Lincoln Wally World in the last, oh I don't know, 5 years? Are you kidding? It's nearly impossible to park in that place, let alone get a check out lane. The market here in Lincoln demands another Wal Mart. Let's face it, they don't just build somewhere just to see if it's going to work. They know it's going to succeed long before we the public even hear about it. My favorite part of this article??? The following quote: "The two big boxes, combined, are bigger than the original Wal-Mart, but perhaps because the company wasn’t mentioned, not a single person showed up in opposition to the plans. The council approved the development and the mayor signed off last week." Not a single person showed!!! Not a one! The company name isn't mentioned and nobody shows! CLASSIC! Not the owners of Russ's IGA, not Carol Brown, not Mayor Doubtfire. NOBODY! What does that really say? I'm glad the small, but amazingly noisy Wal-Mart contingent can finally forget about it! Capitalism, folks. "

 DO NOT SUPPORT LOCAL wrote on February 12, 2007 4:59 pm:
" You are all crazy when you say "this hurts local businesses", "we need to support local", "keep the money in Lincoln". This Walmart will create MANY jobs. Those many Lincolnites with these new jobs, will spend more money in Lincoln. When you support local businesses, all you are doing is lining the pockets of the wealthy Lincolnite that owns the business who is probably wasting that money on a country club membership along with expensive food & wine. BE HAPPY!!! "

 HMMM wrote on February 12, 2007 5:07 pm:
" I really wish it would have been a Super Target... I use to work for Walmart and they do not treat their employee's very well. "

 JM wrote on February 12, 2007 5:17 pm:
" I hate to break it to you, but that "cheap plastic Chinese product" that you refer to is not only sold in Wal-Mart, but at Shopko, Target, etc. Why not scream about them, too? It just so happens that Wal-Mart moves more of these products, higher volumes- but at the end of the day, a lot of this stuff is coming from the same factories in China. And not ALL of it is that type of product anyway. The Cheerios I buy at Wal-Mart are the same ones that Hy-Vee or Russ's Market carry (just cheaper). And what's wrong with the DVD movies I buy there? They are the same ones that Best Buy carries! These arguments get old, people just hate Wal-Mart because they are big, they get more attention. "

 Josh wrote on February 12, 2007 5:19 pm:
" Actually, Lincoln is not too small for another Wal-Mart. Many towns half of Lincoln's size have two or even three Wal-Marts, so for us to have 3 or even 4 is not unusual at all! "

 Jim wrote on February 12, 2007 5:21 pm:
" When you spend money at Walmart all of the profit goes back to Arkansas, or whereever the Walton family is living now, it doesn't stay here. How does this benefit Nebraska? Sure it may create a few jobs. But what kind of jobs? Low-paying, no benefit jobs, that's what. All it does is increase the number of working poor. Oh, but at least they have jobs. Yes, jobs where they work hard for next to nothing, with no chance of ever prospering. Capitalism is the problem. We really need to reconsider Socialism in this country. Those who argue that Socialism and Democracy are antagonistic are ignorant of social theory. "

 busy mom wrote on February 12, 2007 5:22 pm:
" I can go to Walmart, get groceries, have film developed, get a Valentine gift, do banking, get a prescription with one stop. Keeps me off the icy roads. Now can we get a movie theater in south Lincoln? "

 whatever wrote on February 12, 2007 5:22 pm:
" Northeast Lincoln does need shopping, but there must be another retailer besides Walmart or Hy Vee that Lincoln could attract. "

 got to be kidding wrote on February 12, 2007 5:24 pm:
" I thought we said, "No." Wasn't the response, "No?" Didn't someone in Lincoln say, "No?" How did another Walmart get into our city? Sheeez...I'm sorry, but every Walmart soon becomes a Trashmart. Lincoln will soon look like Trashland. "

 Laura wrote on February 12, 2007 5:29 pm:
" just what we need another walmart... "

 JJ wrote on February 12, 2007 5:38 pm:
" Hooray! Finally getting a Walmart close to my home. It's about time! By the way, there is a movie theater in South Lincoln, it happens to be a South Pointe. "

 Prairie Village Homeowner wrote on February 12, 2007 5:39 pm:
" I have to hand it to the developer, Steve Champoux he is slick. He tried for so long to get his beloved Super Wal-Mart in my backyard. Sorry Steve no Super Wal-Mart...I guess you'll have to settle for a Wal-Mart. At least you got your way...cheap crap, under paid employees, poor houskeeping, lack of customer service, trashy parking lot and grounds, increased number of people on Medicaid, energy waste, camping sites for Rv's, stray shopping carts in 84th Street and lack of hygiene and dress codes for employees. Did I forget anything? And by the way, I will not be in the first in line when they open. "

 ??super target?? wrote on February 12, 2007 5:44 pm:
" Ok, so I see on one of the comments about getting a super target...I may be wrong but was there not talk about a Super Target going in right by lowes on hwy2 ??? So we all worship our Targets, Walmarts, and Shopko's....get over it people, it is all the same crap...just different lables and storefronts. "

 awesome wrote on February 12, 2007 5:45 pm:
" Another Wally world sounds great to me! No I dont have to drive all the way across town. "

 bob wrote on February 12, 2007 5:46 pm:
" would people stop their complaining... profits like any other store don't stay in nebraska...hyvee's goes to iowa for example... so stop acting like the only store whose profits going to another state is walmart.. and the walmart is one of the biggest charitable givers in the city and state... not many other stores can even match the amount walmart gives out.. "

 Rober wrote on February 12, 2007 5:51 pm:
" If you want to share in the profits of Walmart, you can buy WMT on the NYSE. And you don't have to live in Arkansas! Shocking? Personally, I think there are better buys in the market, but it is probably a conservative investment. The market is kinda overbought right now IMO. "

 KLK wrote on February 12, 2007 6:25 pm:
" Monopoly, monopoly, monopoly! "

 Yuck wrote on February 12, 2007 6:34 pm:
" I was in the South Trash-Mart a month or so ago. (Unwillingly...my daughter had a gift card from there) This store has only been open for barely a year or so, but it's already a pit. Sorry NE Lincoln, I feel for you. "

 SS wrote on February 12, 2007 6:36 pm:
" Lets just take out more of our small town communities and businesses. Wal mart is ruining the small town. Think about this...Wal mart takes out privately owned businesses in small towns because those stores can't stay open due to Wal Mart. Those people then must find new jobs in larger cities. Those people then take their business out of the small towns to the new place of their employment. Thus, even LESS business in the small towns. Also, more gas consumption and we wonder why gas prices are rising? Think about it....... "

 Aaron wrote on February 12, 2007 6:37 pm:
" Walmart is the cheapest place on the planet. You are an absolute fool if you do not shop there. I like money. In fact I LOVE money. That is why I buy absolutely EVERYTHING at Walmart...so I can save my own money. I would buy products straight from Russia if it was cheap enough. Why do you people have problems with people buying THE EXACT SAME THINGS you can buy elsewhere at Walmart where is it so darn cheap. I use the money I save by shopping at Walmart to make extra deposits in my son's college fund. "

 Phil wrote on February 12, 2007 6:56 pm:
" Finally, the light bulb came on. I was beginning to think Lincoln was part of the former Soviet Union. Last I knew, this was a capitalist society. I'm not sure if the people who oppose any new business know what that means, but Lincoln is behind big-time. Property taxes are absurd. Nobody wants to move to Lincoln because there isn't any jobs and you can't start a business without a CIA background search. Take some lessons from Omaha. Take a lot of lessons. "

 wally wrote on February 12, 2007 6:59 pm:
" How about that. NE is getting a walmart. I'll bet it wasn't walmarts lawyers that got that done. Champoux sounds like another good ole boy. By the way, we down here like the idea of more walmarts. It keeps our roads in good shape and our taxes down. Ya'll come down to Bentonville some time and see our fine city. "

 GM wrote on February 12, 2007 7:02 pm:
" It amazes me how people who built new homes or bought exisiting homes near a major thoroughfare (i.e. North 84th Street) are so shocked and disgruntled when developments like this take place...what did you expect?? "

 Big Tuna wrote on February 12, 2007 7:05 pm:
" If thus is really going to be a "town center" type place, it needs to have a couple more elements besides a big box retailer:1. An upscale restaurant (no, Famous Dave's or Whiskey Creek does not count). 2. A reasonably sized movie theatre (12+ screens). 3. Excellent public transportation service. I have huge doubts about all three of these, but it is imperative to the future development of Lincoln to include these elements. "

 Luke wrote on February 12, 2007 7:12 pm:
" You people who say that "the money will just go to Arkansas" just slay me! We have this little thing called a "stockmarket" now-a-days! You see, the Walton family isn't the only family that profits from Wal-Mart. I'd be willing to bet that Wal-Mart has shareholders right here in Lincoln! Imagine that! No sir, they aren't all in Arkansas or Cal-i-for-nia. Some of 'em are right here. Not to mention all the property tax and sales tax that will stay - you guessed it - right here in little ol' Lincoln. "

 Rick wrote on February 12, 2007 7:13 pm:
" The comments about underpaid employees amaze me. Does Target pay more? No. Does Lowes pay more? No. Does Hy-Vee pay more? No. Does the Mom & Pop store pay more? No. Are the benefits better than at Target, Lowes, or Hy-vee? No. Do they get any benefits at all at the Mom & Pop store, the local gas station, or the chain restaurant? No. Yet I bet you'd look forward the opening of a TGI Fridays (or any major chain) or an ultra-modern convenience store/gas station. If you blast Wal-Mart for these reasons, you'd better blast them all. Anything less shows a lack of integrity. And if your issue is Chinese imports, I trust you don't shop Target, either... "

 Grannie wrote on February 12, 2007 7:15 pm:
" Bring in another trailer court a tavern or two an I'll beleiveJethro and Ellie Mae would feel down home comfortable. "

 news flash wrote on February 12, 2007 7:21 pm:
" folks, its no secret that major arterials are a magnet for retail. If you buy a house near an arterial, you've got to expect some retail to arrive soon. If you want the mom and pop type set up, try Havelock, we all know what a hotbed and thriving area that is. Otherwise, put up the extra cash and move out of town to an acreage. "

 erik wrote on February 12, 2007 7:38 pm:
" Those Walmarts is one of the nicest stores I have ever been in. Why do so many of you seem to hate it. I grew up near Valentine, NE and we didn't have no stores this nice. I think you shuld be happy and feel lucky about this. "

 B.J. wrote on February 12, 2007 7:39 pm:
" I see where some of you are comeing from, but Wal-Mart is probably the greatest thing to come to lincoln in the past 20 years. Walmart is a great company that wants to offer as many services in one place as possable and do it at the lowest prices. We all should feel lucky that they are building a total of 3 more stores in the lincoln area. Walmart is also talking about doing what they did in mexico and offer used and new cars in their stores, as well as small aircraft, fuel, hospitle services, banking and extended auto services. This is a good thing, it is called price control, anyone who dosn't like walmart must have VERY DEEP POCKETS!! "

 you asked for it wrote on February 12, 2007 7:40 pm:
" lol you all wanted it you got it now watch your home values drop a walmart to along with the dump and purnia pet food plant and sewage treatment plant LOL i guess it does run down hill "

 Tom B from rural Fairbury wrote on February 12, 2007 7:44 pm:
" After seeing what Walmart does to my small town, bankrupting most of the downtown square businesses, I can only say that it will not improve N Lincoln one smiley faced bit. People brag up the jobs...is 8.50 per hour even above the poverty line? No healthcare, no future...Mayor Grandma got her wish...They better three lane 84th while they still can...what a future mess. "

 Amazed wrote on February 12, 2007 8:11 pm:
" I'm constantly amazed at people on both sizes of this argument. There are those that shop at Walmart religiously - just assuming that prices there must be lower because it is Walmart (not always the case at all). There are also those that avoid Walmart like the plague but sing the praises of places like Target (money still gets funneled out of the state). Here's a little game for you to play: For each of these items 1) name all of the places where could you buy it 2) of that place (or places) are any of them local? 3) what is the price at each place? 4) if trips to multiple stores is needed, what would be the cost of driving across town to buy this list? Replacement windshield wipers for your car New Disney "Cars" DVD 24 pack of Diet Coke Latest issue of Cosmo magazine New battery for your watch New 1000 watt microwave New pair of dress slacks Bag of Weaver's potato chips Newest Elmo stuffed toy Garden hose Most of those items are probably available at Walmart, however they may not be the cheapest. For many of them, I can't personally think of a local store that would carry them. My point is this: Walmart doesn't force anyone out of business, nor do they always have the best deal on everything. It is up to individuals to carefully watch how they spend their money and make or break a business accordingly... "

 learn from my mistake wrote on February 12, 2007 8:18 pm:
" How "much less" will Steve Champoux have to ante up for infrastructure? I'd appreciate a number from the reporter and a follow-up story on the construction company. If WalMart has its way, I bet they’re not a local crew. Village Pointe... please. I'll believe that when I see it. Our neighborhood will be lucky if we don't have get organized and do clean-up duty. Unfortunately, Champoux cares more about the almighty dollar than he does about his customers. Rest assured, I won't be building with Prairie Homes ever again. If there is a silver lining, it's the fact our mayor listened to the people who would be most affected and refused to cave to the WalMart bullies, who lied about the building size they would be willing to consider. But it's hard to keep a weasel out forever. That's why they're called weasels. "

 linda wrote on February 12, 2007 8:25 pm:
" why doesn't northwest lincoln get anything? "

 Rober wrote on February 12, 2007 8:28 pm:
" Aaron. I am with you. This is much ado about nothing. Don't shop there if you don't want to! I don't think it will matter one way or the other. It is a free country. At least till we become socialist. Then, my bro-in-law will be drawing more checks for not working. It his right not to work, so he says. Interesting, eh? "

 John wrote on February 12, 2007 8:31 pm:
" Thanks to all of you for buying at Wal-Mart. Even tho my prices are better and the service is out standing, I still get to repair all the quality sfuff that you prurchased. "

 Mr. Lincoln wrote on February 12, 2007 8:38 pm:
" I agree, didn't we say no? Who does this really help in the long run? Wal-Mart squashes any sense of community NE Lincoln had. I feel badly for the entire Havelock and University Place Neighborhoods. Oh, and the town center, what a slap in the face. This kind of development works against the idea of a town center. They won't get my business but local businesses will. Our family has made a choice to support local farmers, local grocery stores, and local businesses. Lincoln can do better. I'm looking forward to new leadership in this community that builds on strong local private and public partnerships, not handouts to corporations and greedy developers. "

 Mindless Robot wrote on February 12, 2007 8:41 pm:
" AWESOME! Where else can you get a shotgun, a 5 pound can of chocolate pudding, and a "Sexy Grandma" T-shirt all in one place? "

 Mandy wrote on February 12, 2007 8:45 pm:
" bill wrote o"South Lincoln gets nice upscale stores, North Lincoln gets yucky trash store" Well, Bill..I said it once, I'll say it again, "Various studies reflect that Wal-mart's customer base is largely comprised of the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder; therefore, they are pushing to build in Northeast Lincoln as opposed to a location in Southwest Lincoln. " "

 Billy Bob wrote on February 12, 2007 9:00 pm:
" North Lincoln needs a movie theater in NORTH Lincoln. The site is in place. Where is the theater that was OK'ed for this site. Good luck NE Lincoln. "

 Straight Thinker wrote on February 12, 2007 9:02 pm:
" It's just a STORE, folks...not the end of the world. I welcome Wal-Mart to N. 84th ST.! Maybe a new Sam's next door, or maybe???? "

 JJ wrote on February 12, 2007 9:04 pm:
" Hey Jim, Walmart does have benefits and not bad ones at that. I worked at WAlmart for a few months part time while being a stay at home mom in the day. They also have stock shares, yep, you can buy their stock and cash it in when you need a little extra money. I made out pretty well on that deal when I cashed mine in, it was like having a savings account I couldn't see. By the way, How many Russ's, Hyvee's & Super Saver's do we have in this town? How high are their prices? What are their benefits like? I will agree with no more Walmarts as soon as those three stores lower their prices!!! "

 L wrote on February 12, 2007 9:05 pm:
" How about something coming into SW Lincoln? Everything seems to be concentrated on the East side, how about the West side? "

 bbabby wrote on February 12, 2007 9:05 pm:
" Walmart didn't ruin small town America, small towns wrecked themselves, local small town merchants were getting rich off of lower income small city folks, with their high priced good, hurray for Walmart, they are truly the American way, give people a good deal and you deserve to get rich "

 Don wrote on February 12, 2007 9:09 pm:
" Hard to understand all the sour grapes about Walmart. Seems similar to when Nebraska used to have one of the best football teams and many people criticized its success. Not sure if its the ol,American way to belittle success or if its just small mindedness. "

 Joe wrote on February 12, 2007 9:12 pm:
" Well all I can say is if they are going to go through with this and tick off all the people there that didn't want it in their backyard then bring on the dragstrip! "

 Ox Gored wrote on February 12, 2007 9:13 pm:
" Few people gave a hoot about Wal Mart wages and benefits (Hillary Clinton was even on their board of directors for a while). Wages and bennies are about the same as Target and similar outfits. Then Wal Mart opened up non-union grocery operations. The pols started getting the strongarm from organized labor, and all of the sudden Wal Mart is the greatest evil in all human history. "

 Congrats wrote on February 12, 2007 9:14 pm:
" Now even more people can derive orgasmic pleasure from saving a few bucks at a new Walmart! The news is just in time for Valentine's day to boot:) "

 Next! wrote on February 12, 2007 9:32 pm:
" Now if we could just get a grocery store out by the Highlands/Fallbrook....Russ's...you're welcome to come here now if you don't want to compete with Walmart next door on 84th... :) "

 local small business owner wrote on February 12, 2007 9:34 pm:
" There goes another middle class working family because WalMart shut down another local small business. That's ok though, they are sending another one of thier kids to Iraq to be killed protecting Exxon oil interests anyway so they will have one less mouth to feed soon. It all works out in the end I guess. "

 Yipee wrote on February 12, 2007 9:39 pm:
" Lincolnites are quick to force something (dragstrip) down the throats of other people. How do you like it now!! I think we need lots more Wal-Marts, one on every corner. "

 Invite to Blight wrote on February 12, 2007 9:48 pm:
" We can thank our Council for bowing down to developers' interests. This area was not even commercial in the 2025 Comp Plan, now its a mega-community center. You are weak! How much retail can this city sustain?! Be ready for more empty shopping centers to be declared blighted. RIP Meadowlane, East Park, Spanish Oaks, Havelock Russ's... The only winners here are Steve Champoux and WalMart. We need to wise up Lincoln or we'll sprawl out to be like Omaha, or is that what you all want? "

 Sameole sameole wrote on February 12, 2007 9:51 pm:
" You load up Lincoln with the Wal-marts, K-marts, Targets and Super Savers, and they are all over the state so do you really think your going to bring in people from Kearney or GI to shop at the Wal-marts & K-marts & Targets in Lincoln?? I think not. Gee, years ago we use to drive from central Nebraska to shop at Miller & Paine and Golds and Simons etc and it was fun and there was different and nicer things. I'm not against Wal-mart but the thought is they're for Lincoln area only and are nothing to grow the city. Even Dillars and Yonkers don't have much variety like Omaha. The only way the city will grow is get more industry and business in to bring & keep more people here to shop at the Wal-marts. And they can build all the arenas here they want, whose going to come and only shop at the same ole Wal-mart and pay huge prices to eat or stay in a motel. The 2015 people ought to check the Home show at the Event center and see if they are rakeing in the millions. Apparently not I haven't seem my property taxes go down yet! Home shows in the city where I lived were always packed and people were in long lines to go thru the home that is always built in the big building where the show is held on the fair grounds. Went once to the home show here and took me 5 minutes to go thru the whole building. "

 FUD FUD FUD wrote on February 12, 2007 9:52 pm:
" I'm sorry...WHAT small businesses in that area? There's a hardware store (which shouldn't be affected if they're any good), some gas stations, some well-known restaurants (which won't be affected), and some chain restaurants. Sounds like FUD to me... "

 Ricky Bobby wrote on February 12, 2007 10:18 pm:
" I'm not sure bout ya'll folk, but I for one will be there at grand openin', stockin' up on all them there bargain flannels. I for one, am darned pleased they're setin' up shop in that there corner of town. Ya'll who don't like em, I'll sell ya'll some land out by my place, and I'll let ya'll build yourself a real nice place. "

 Dummies wrote on February 12, 2007 10:19 pm:
" I live in a town recently getting a Wal-Mart. It is a Super Wal-Mart and they realize now it should have been larger. Customers are coming from larger cities because it easier driving 30 minutes on the interstate that driving across town. "

 maybe... wrote on February 12, 2007 10:28 pm:
" Maybe they should of built the walmart on holy road! (84th street from Adams to Hwy 2) Talk about having to many Walmarts in Lincoln, how about the churches taking up space in lincoln..?? I am sure we can share the space in Lincoln whether it be North, South, East or West...By the time it is built and people start shopping at the new Walmart, this conflict will be over and it will be on to the next dilema...Maybe it might be on how many McDonalds, or Subways or even gas stations we have around town, or how they are building Menards and Home Depots right next to each other and then add in the Lowes...gosh I don't know how many places we could go to looking at the same piece of wood?? Now if they could just combine a Walmart with a church added inside, along with the already existing McDonalds, a drycleaner, gas station in the parking lot, bank, (oh thats right that is already there), hotel room in one corner we would all love to go to Walmart...LOL! By the time we blink our eyes Walmart will already have a wall up in the suggested spot in North Lincoln. Get over it people!! "

 Mike wrote on February 12, 2007 11:14 pm:
" For the person that wrote that Wal-mart doesn't always have the lowest prices...WRONG YOU ARE. They will match ANYONE'S price. If you see something cheaper at a ma or pa store, they will beat it if you show them proof of another place selling it for less. That is actually very nice of them. They don't HAVE to do it but they do to help us out. LONG LIVE WAL-MART!!!!!!! "

 Dee wrote on February 12, 2007 11:57 pm:
" There goes the neighborhood....how many more people will be paid substandard wages so the good people of nebraska can cut the big box store a tax break and pay for the medical costs of its employees through medicaide "

 Brett wrote on February 13, 2007 12:51 am:
" I'm glad another Walmart is being built there because it will alleviate some of the congestion at the 27th & Superior location. If people didn't want it they wouldn't shop there. By the way, since WHEN was the mayor an expert on traffic, congestion, building sizes, or ANYTHING else related to this land development? Do you really think Walmart would spend MILLIONS of dollars on investigating location, location, location and determining the size of the building if they didn't think they could serve the community there? I'd prefer if the 27th Walmart was actually larger as well to hold more items. Too bad the 84th will be so small & end up short-changing the residents over there. "

 Eddie wrote on February 13, 2007 5:21 am:
" Now the best thing would be to move Sam's Club out to near the South Walmart so I wouldn't have to travel across Sengville to shop there. How you people voted her into office is beyound me.... "

 Carrie wrote on February 13, 2007 8:43 am:
" Thank goodness is all I can say. As a northsider I am so grateful for another Walmart. The 27th street business is an absolute disaster! All I can say is THANK GOODNESS! "

 no name wrote on February 13, 2007 8:48 am:
" I think its a horrible idea. Walmart is not even a good company, sure they have cheap prices, but that doesn't mean they have good quality. Now, what Lincoln NEEDS is a WHOLE FOODS store- they have good quality and competitive prices AND great employees who work there! We don't need another cheap walmart in our town! The way that the Walmart company is moving, it is NOT how it was originally intended... oh well what can I do. In our society where people could care less about others & the environment, it fits right in. "

 Let's be logical wrote on February 13, 2007 8:59 am:
" All you people who are against WalMart do not understand how the free market works! There is a great demand in Lincoln for WalMart; the one on 27th and Superior is horribly overcrowded. Yes it would be nice to have more upscale stores, but obviously the demand is not high enough. If it was, we would have them. "

 Think about it wrote on February 13, 2007 9:33 am:
" If you don't like Wal-Mart, DONT GO THERE! People, it really is as simple as that! I happen to like Wal-Mart & hopefully there will be one in South West Lincoln soon. But just because I like Wal-Mart doesnt mean I am white trash or every other stereotype. "

 yoshiki wrote on February 13, 2007 9:35 am:
" Free markets are overrated. Let them run free and the big fish turn into cannibals. If a Wal-Mart is going in southwest Lincoln if rumored along with this one, that makes four Super Wal-Marts in this city, all owning their own piece of real estate in each corner of town. They make great welcome mats into Lincoln if you ask me... that is if the out of towners don't decide to stop, shop, and turn right back around... "

 free4all wrote on February 13, 2007 10:11 am:
" I am sure that most of us out in Northwest Lincoln would love a Wal-Mart. Finally getting a grocery store, now a road widening on NW 48th would be great! One way in and out just doesn't cut it. There are quite a few holmes out there, which = PEOPLE! "

 PEN 15 wrote on February 13, 2007 10:17 am:
" Walmart just means low prices....always, that is it. I don't know why people are so upset about it because this is a very good thing, they will bring 300-400 jobs per store, you can't live on the wages they pay, but atleast people won't have to live on welfare and drain our tax money us working class work so hard to earn. "

 pen 15 wrote on February 13, 2007 10:25 am:
" wal-mart doesnt own the land on the southeast lincoln store it is rented to them "

 Eastsider wrote on February 13, 2007 10:26 am:
" Too bad for Mayor Seng, She lost again. As soon as she is gone and forgotten, Walmart will expand to the size they wanted in the first place. Look at the expansion that took place at the north 27th St store. It is a shame that developers have to be put through such childish games as the current Mayor likes to play. "

 Kay wrote on February 13, 2007 10:29 am:
" Walmart is great for one stop shopping. I especially enjoyed it when my son was a baby. I didn't have to drag him from store to store to get everything I needed. Why is everyone so negative about EVERYTHING? "

 All for Expansion wrote on February 13, 2007 10:50 am:
" I say let the developer continue building and developing all the way north to Highway 6. Northeast Lincoln has sat dormat for far too long. The south has had it's run and now it's time for the north's turn. I never did quite figure out why so much was put into developing south Lincoln. What's beyond Lincoln to the south? Beatrice. I'd rather stay north and have easier access to Omaha. The next step after that is to get that east bypass built so there's an easy non-stop route in to Lincoln. "

 bob wrote on February 13, 2007 10:52 am:
" the 27th street store is one of the largest buildings walmart will build at all, they don't ever build much more than what is already there...same for the south store "

 Gecko wrote on February 13, 2007 10:56 am:
" SW Lincoln includes everything South of O. Can't get much lower than some of those neighborhoods. I think with the new lake and all the new upperscale homes going in around it NE Lincoln will soon be as nice or nicer than any other areas of Lincoln. Some of the homes in this area are already as nice as any others in Lincoln. "

 Leann wrote on February 13, 2007 11:02 am:
" Seriously, it is my money so I will shop where I want and so should everyone else. If I want to go to Walmart and buy two $20 pair of shoes, let me! If I want to buy a pair of $150 pair of shoes, let me. Every year around the Holiday season, local charities need things, Lincoln Action Program, The Food Bank, Salvation Army, etc. The local paper runs articles on what people need and more importantly what children need and want? They all need help regardless of the reason. Seriously, I wonder how many of you buy the children $100 jeans and donate them? Do they need them? You could buy five pair of $20 jeans and make more children happy. If you can get Cars DVDs cheaper and buy more and make more kids happy, why not do it? Sorry to inform you but all the things here are "material things." We all will leave with nothing regardless of what store you purchase it or how much you paid for it, unless your hell or heaven provides U-haul service! :) So let everyone shop where they want for whatever reason! Instead maybe we should thank our Soliders and Veterans for giving us the FREEDOM to shop where we want and quit complaining about the petty details. Who cares whether it is a trash store or not or what side of town it is located, etc.! "

 michelle wrote on February 13, 2007 11:46 am:
" For all of you complaining about it, don't go there. I hate the fact that Walmart is so congested at 27th st, but I go there because I can get everything I need all at once without having to drag my 2 kids in and out of their carseats 2-3 times. Oh yeah, plus I'd rather pay less for the same package of diapers, medicine (or whatever) than at a smaller grocery store. Wally World may be a monopoly, but as long as the convenience is there, I will still go there. "

 Roger wrote on February 13, 2007 12:03 pm:
" Wow, I just read this blog, and it killed about a thousand brain cells. My guess is most people protesting Walmart don't even live in NE Lincoln. "

 CS wrote on February 13, 2007 12:04 pm:
" Actually, the South Wal Mart has been open since 2004, its been a little longer than a year-and its still a nicer store than the North one. Let me tell you, that Russ's on 17th and W or on O st is gleaming compared to that South Lincoln "trash mart". Good grief-buildings that get used get worn-it means there are customers there. "

 linda wrote on February 13, 2007 12:09 pm:
" i agree we need something out in Northwest Lincoln. Its just as close for us to go to Sewards Walmart than it is to go to any of the Lincoln's locations! "

 SRO wrote on February 13, 2007 12:24 pm:
" It seems to me that a lot of the "upscale" residents on the NW side of Lincoln are worried about the fact that, yes, Walmart IS cheaper than the Targets and Shopkos, which MAY bring in "lower class" customers.... It all boils down to the "element" that Walmart brings in due to their low costs. BS!!!! Hello WALMART!!! :-) "

 Chef wrote on February 13, 2007 12:27 pm:
" Ninety-nine comments about shopping while Lincoln is being carved up by this and that developer. It's a lot to ask but every "development" article should come with a side panel identifying the developer and individual partners by name, the associated law firm and individual partners by name, project cost, wage levels, income and property tax deferrals (long term "business incentives" the citizens will have to pay. Any wage or training subsidies or subsidies that have been diverted from state and city general revenue funds. After all aren't hidden costs part of the 2015 equation? PS Isn't it about time for LJS to put together a "Special Report" Section on all of the development going on identifying 1) Who is doing What 2)The profits being made and 3) the Impacts on the City (pro & con) ??? "

 bill wrote on February 13, 2007 12:33 pm:
" Walmart is the forth largest buyer of of Chinese goods. Walmart's Chinese management belongs to the Red Communist Party. Buy from Walmart directly supports Communism. Think about if this were 1950 and we bought all of our products from a company who's biggest supplier was from the USSR, would we have supported them? Why do we support Communists today? I do not shop at walmart - I believe that it supports sending workers jobs overseas for a savings of 10 cents on a pack of paper towels. Nor do I want to support the Red Chinese Communist Party. Bill "

 Gregg wrote on February 13, 2007 1:12 pm:
" Seng's stance against Wal-Mart is the only thing she and I see eye-to-eye on. "

 Y'all should take a deep breath... wrote on February 13, 2007 1:22 pm:
" ...and just relax. Why all the ranting, whining and carrying on - over a WalMart? Have we nothing better to do with our time an energy than spend it denouncing or hailing this particular business? In light of all eternity, what is really so devistatingly terrible about another WalMart (or two) in Lincoln? Sales, no matter what is purchased, is subject to tax money; a percentage of which is designated to the City. It would appear that a large portion of Lincoln's residents aren't much more than angry, bitter complainers. Maybe this town needs just an enema! "

 Humm wrote on February 13, 2007 1:31 pm:
" My question is why hasn't super Saver built out there. They promised if walmart didn't go they would. Another broke promise by a local contravtor. "

 Just relax wrote on February 13, 2007 1:36 pm:
" I am sad to see that Lincoln couldn't get another store besides Walmart in that location. I think it would be good for NE Lincoln to have a Super Target, something totally new for Lincoln. I think the city has a chance to build a nice shopping site in that area, but I have my doubts it will turn out as nice as South Lincoln. I think the NE & NW Lincoln is turning into a bad idea to move to. I know we built a house in NW Lincoln and lost money on it when we sold....the area is turning into an ignored part of town. "

 relaxed wrote on February 13, 2007 2:06 pm:
" ROFL...you probably just lost money because you overpaid in the "boom" and if you sold recently, we're in a "bust". NW Lincoln is still a nice, peaceful place to live...it just needs a grocery store (worse than NE did...at least they had Russ's less than a mile away in Havelock). "

 E Jr wrote on February 13, 2007 2:30 pm:
" How do you all handle all that shopping? I guess I'm not a good consumer because I shop in a department store only 3-4 times a year. Another Wal-Mart makes no difference to me. I won't shop there either. Maybe one day before I die I'll comprehend why people shop there instead of at locally-owned stores. Cheap prices? Not worth the extra gas for me. "

 I loved North Lincoln wrote on February 13, 2007 2:34 pm:
" I loved living in north Lincoln, and in time i think the NE & NW will have parks, movie theatres and shopping like the rest of the city ~ I think a new walmart is in need. I hated going to the 27th store. We underpaid for the house compared to our neighbors who I feel sorry for now, because my family built most of the house themselves on the side. We lost money because we got surrounded by rentals and it was hard to sell when we had no room to drive a car much less park anywhere. I think the city needs to look at these areas for development....besides car lots and walmarts. "

 no comparison wrote on February 13, 2007 2:49 pm:
" I think it's funny that the developer compared his vision for the new shopping center to Village Pointe in Omaha. If it looks like Village Pointe, that would be cool, but I can't image it having the same caliber of stores (e.g. Ann Taylor Loft, White House/Black Market) with Wal-Mart as the anchor. "

 Carmelo wrote on February 13, 2007 2:51 pm:
" You are kidding yourselves if you think another Wal-Mart is going to help the local economy. The University of Maine did a study that tracked the revenue and expenditures of eight locally owned businesses in Midcoast Maine, as compared to big box stores. Their findings included the following conclusions: Locally owned businesses spent 44.6 percent of their revenue within the surrounding two counties, and another 8.7 percent elsewhere in Maine, largely on wages and benefits paid to local employees; goods and services purchased from other local businesses; profits that accrued to local owners; and taxes paid to local and state government. Big box retailers return an estimated 14.1 percent of its revenue to the local economy, mostly as payroll. The rest leaves the state, flowing to out-of-state suppliers and back to corporate headquarters. Another study done by Good Jobs First found that Walmart has received more than $1 billion in economic development subsidies from state and local governments across the country. Taxpayers have helped finance not only Wal-Mart stores, but also the company’s huge network of distribution centers, more than 90% of which have gotten subsidies. Another study done in Illinois found that for every $100 in consumer spending with a local firm, $68 remains in the Chicago economy vs. $43 for spending at a chain store. For every square foot occupied by a local firm, local economic impact is $179 vs. $105 for a chain store. People need to spend a lot more time reading up on the effects of these decisions, and a lot less time browsing the isles of Bratz dolls, processed foods, and wide-screen TVs. "

 Heather wrote on February 13, 2007 3:02 pm:
" That is great news! I wish we could get a hospital over here too, or at least an urgent care center. The city needs more access to shopping for those of us in the north/east. I never understood the south development. There is nothing south, but hickman.... "

 All my life in NE wrote on February 13, 2007 3:40 pm:
" To Just Relax, stay on the South side of town then. We are proud of our "NORTH SIDE OF O" living. We are still real people and don't think we are better than anyone else. A Walmart may not be the answer, but it's about time the city looked at the north side of town instead of giving everything to the south side. We don't need anything special or looks fancy like the south side. It will be nice to have a shopping center on our side so we don't have to drive to the south side. Thank you. "

 whatever wrote on February 13, 2007 4:27 pm:
" Local companies might consider building,