posted on October 07, 2010 22:28
A heated verbal battle was waged between Houston Business Journal readers who debated the merits of a Walmart store in The Heights.
Houston City Council voted Sept. 22 to approve the controversial Washington Heights development, including a new Walmart store, despite heated opposition from residents as well as other groups.
Readers were asked if they agreed with the council’s decision. The deal includes a $6-million 380 agreement with project developer The Ainbinder Co. for street development on Koehler. Options for response included “yes, it’s great for the area,” “no, it’s not a good idea” and “it’s too early to tell.”
A majority — 49 percent — thought a Walmart in The Heights was a good idea, while 37 percent did not. Another 10 percent felt it was too early to tell what the outcome would be.
There were 1170 total responses.
One reader who commented as Heights N., was curious how many people who voted “yes” actually lived in the area. “I am willing to bet that a good number of you live in the burbs and therefore have no clue what is good for our neighborhood. The problem is not Walmart. The issue is 1) irresponsible development in an urban neighborhood. Large 150,000sf stores with 600+ parking spaces like this do not belong in an urban neighborhood. 2) the city paying for 1/3, $6 of the $18mil, to build this. I just do not understand why people do not get the fact that $6mil could be used for fire, police, schools, etc.. That is money taken away from other things this city needs, like better public transportation.”
October 1, 2010 | Houston Business Journal