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Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend June 22, 2005 Wal-Mart given Eagle Point nod By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune EAGLE POINT — The Eagle Point Planning Commission approved Wal-Mart’s application Tuesday night to build a supercenter. "It’s a done deal," said City Planner Bunny Lincoln. A cadre of Wal-Mart attorneys and architects were relieved to hear their request to build a 184,719-square-foot store in the Eagle Point Business Park was approved. "The commission voted to accept the findings of the planning department and city staff," said Lincoln. A final order of approval will be submitted to the commission by July 19, said Lincoln. Wal-Mart’s proposal will not go before the City Council unless there is an appeal filed before July 29. Advertisement About 80 citizens attended the three-hour public meeting; most appeared to be in favor of the project. "If Wal-Mart builds this facility as planned, I think that it will be a great improvement to Eagle Point," said resident Steve Hunter. In a previous interview with the Mail Tribune, Wal-Mart spokesman Pete Kanelos said the store will employ 400 people with more than 70 percent of the jobs being full-time positions. Before the vote, Commissioner Dale Shaddox peppered the staff with a dozen concerns regarding Wal-Mart’s plans for the 25-acre parcel between Highway 62 and Hannon Road. Shaddox’s questions ranged from concerns about public transport, to drainage and pedestrian safety. Eagle Point resident David Christian said only allowing comments or questions pertaining to zoning and use ensured the project "a rubber stamp approval." The tight format stonewalled any questions regarding the world’s largest retailer’s real impact on the community, he said. Wal-Mart designed the supercenter with a Northwest flavor — wooden trusses, cedar shake siding and cultured stone corners are designed to break up the Big Box feel, said the architects. Christian said Wal-Mart might have designed a pretty building, but does not pay a living wage, provide adequate benefits and will not provide viable employment opportunities for the people of Eagle Point. "This is how Wal-Mart gets their footprint into every community," said Christian. "You can build a fantastic whorehouse and no one will complain, until they start selling meat out of it." Wal-Mart sold the project by being flexible, accountable and promising to be good neighbors, Lincoln said. "Approval of this store is going to be a positive for Eagle Point," said Lincoln, adding Wal-Mart has assured city staff it will increase retail competition, the city’s tax base and employment. "Wal-Mart says they will increase employment in the community by 50 percent," said Lincoln. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Advertisement s