Wal-Mart clinched council, but voters will have final say

Wal-Mart’s future depends largely on voters who will decide in March

whether to rezone the property where the retailer plans to build its

controversial 150,000-square-foot mega-store.

Residents who dreaded the thought of a “big box” moving into the

neighborhood gathered enough signatures to qualify for a ballot

initiative, known as Measure I. Before the vote, people will have the

opportunity to watch a televised debate aired on HBTV-3.

The ratings may not be high because there was no shortage of arguing

throughout the year over the advantages and disadvantages of the project,

planned for the closed Crest View school site on Talbert Avenue by Beach

Boulevard.

The City Council weathered a five-hour firestorm of threats, accusations

and pleas before giving Wal-Mart the green light in April. But the city’s

lengthy planning process allowed plenty of time for controversy to

unfold.

Wal-Mart complained about too many restrictions on its plans, leading

some to wonder if the retailer may pull out. That’s not likely to happen,

judging by the actions of its developer, Arnel Retail Group. It filed a

lawsuit, later withdrawn, challenging the initiative’s petition drive as

“illegal” and “misleading.” The plot thickened when council members who

voted in favor of the development -- Pam Julien, Dave Garofalo and

Shirley Dettloff -- were charged with at least the appearance of a

conflict of interest when they invested in a local bank with ties to

Arnel.

Probably not for the last time, Wal-Mart haters cried foul.

SI-- Eron Ben-Yehuda