Wal-Mart Opponents Hold
Town Hall Meeting

By Thom White

AUSTIN, Tex. January 12, 2008 -- Opponents of the Wal-Mart Supercenter that is planned for Northcross Mall gathered together yesterday at St. Louis Catholic Church for a town hall meeting. Responsible Growth for Northcross (RG4N) leaders proposed their next steps after a recent court ruling effectively gave the developer, Lincoln Property Company, a green light to begin construction of the giant retail store.

According to a December 21, 2007, report by the television station News 8 Austin, "District Court Judge Orlinda Naranjo ruled that the site plan in question complied with ordinances and that it did not require public hearings."

Responsible Growth for Northcross leaders remarked in a written statement that, "In December, the 200th Judicial District Court of Travis County issued its ruling on our lawsuit. RG4N is disappointed with the verdict, but we are not done fighting yet."

With legal remedies temporarily exhausted, RG4N's new strategy aims to "put the fear" into Wal-Mart and city officials, by continuing the public campaign against the developers. RG4N hopes to take on the role of "watchdog" and to bust Lincoln Property on any perceived permitting violations during construction of the Supercenter by making complaints to the city. They are also considering pushing for a municipal ordinance to ban 24-hour operation, which would likely make the store less profitable for Wal-Mart. One speaker also mentioned the possibility of a boycott against all Wal-Marts in the region.

Doug Young, an attorney with the law firm Scanlon, Buckle & Young, which is being employed by the RG4N executive committee, said that despite the ruling in favor of Lincoln Property Company, "There is no final judgment yet." If the group decides to appeal the verdict, it would go to the 3rd Court of Appeals. However, even if they decide to take this course, it could take years for the appeals court to make a decision, and Lincoln Property would likely complete construction on the Wal-Mart in the meantime.

Some of the matters at issue include water runoff and traffic impact on the neighborhoods around Northcross Mall, as well as esoteric city regulations that restrict the construction of a "garden center." Last year, Wal-Mart had an "open house" where they navigated around this issue by indicating their current plans contain no garden center, only "outdoor retail."

As part of the group's future strategy, RG4N president Hope Morrison said they will "hold city leaders accountable" in upcoming elections. However, because of RG4N's particular non-profit status, the organization cannot endorse or oppose candidates. But Ms. Morrison drew attention to the formation of a new political action group called Better Austin Today, which will be involved in promoting candidates seeking political office, and may seek common cause with RG4N.

In May, voters will get to decide on three Austin City Council seats. Jennifer Kim (who appears to be sympathetic to the neighbors opposed to the Wal-Mart) and Lee Leffingwell are running for re-election; a third seat is open due to the retirement of Mayor Pro Tem Betty Dunkerley. RG4N communications specialist Jason Meeker spoke before the crowd at one point and hinted that he may run for a City Council seat.

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