3 MAR 05: AGAINST THE WAL (-MART)

The Columbus Planning Commission surprised some people Wednesday, by voting against a proposed Wal-Mart SuperCenter at J.R. Allen Parkway and Gateway Drive. I'm not sure what commissioners want there instead - maybe a third campus for Columbus State University.

The Planning Commission hearing was much like Monday night's meeting at Midland Middle School, with speakers both for and against Wal-Mart. After about three hours of discussion, the commission advised against the SuperCenter - so maybe the department store didn't offer enough (ahem) "cash incentives."

Wal-Mart SuperCenters offer full-line supermarkets, in addition to the usual discount store. One critic told the Planning Commission there already are four grocery stores within two miles of the proposed location, and "we don't need more groceries." I'm sure the House of Mercy will gladly take any extras....

Planning Commissioner Bradford Dobbs saw nothing wrong with the subject of our current Big Blog Question, saying of Wal-Mart: "A development is a development is a development." I used to think this way about cars - until I bought a used Karmann-Ghia which kept breaking down.

One supporter of the Wal-Mart SuperCenter said outside the hearing he's in favor because a Wal-Mart gas station would be built at the complex. After checking the Wal-Mart gas price in Opelika-Auburn, he should calm down. It only matches RaceTrac and Cowboy's - and I haven't noticed any Wal-Mart executives at OPEC meetings.

One concern at the Planning Commission hearing was whether the two Columbus Wal-Mart stores might close after a SuperCenter opens. So what if the Airport Thruway store shuts down? We could host the first Super-Sam's Club.

(You ARE aware, I hope, that Sam's Club is part of the Wal-Mart empire. Having those stores side-by-side on Airport Thruway always has seemed strange to me. Is this where Spectrum got the idea for two stations at some intersections?)

As for the Buena Vista Road Wal-Mart, I'd think it's safe because it's located close to Fort Benning. Military P-X's across the country have been annoyed by Wal-Mart opening stores close to bases. The prices are competitive - and you might see someone who will talk you out of reenlisting.

Yet one woman at the Planning Commission hearing was concerned current Wal-Marts might be abandoned. As she put it: "Don't we have enough giant empty buildings in Columbus?" Apparently not - because Columbus Park Crossing built a bunch of new ones, and filled them up.

Another issue in the Wal-Mart debate is traffic. The proposed development would widen Gateway Drive to four lanes north of the SuperCenter to J.R. Allen Parkway, but keep the street two lanes south of there. If they're going to be that obvious about it, why not go all the way - and build the store in Harris County or Junction City?

Yet this traffic plan for Gateway Drive is similar to what the Phenix City Wal-Mart has. You can take U.S. 280 to that SuperCenter, which is a four-lane highway. Or you can drive up Railroad, which is still two-lane. It all may depend on how rundown your car is....

Supporters of the Wal-Mart SuperCenter assured the Planning Commission other new stores are planned nearby. Well, of course they'll show up. Not even food courts at the mall can hold EVERY restaurant chain in the country.

It's interesting to hear people are concerned about green space at a new Wal-Mart. It reminds me of a joke the late Atlanta radio preacher Mays Jackson told, about his wife discussing funeral plans with him:

"Do you want to be buried next to your parents, or next to my parents?" she asked.

"Neither one. I want to be buried at that green patch of land in front of the Wal-Mart store."

"What?!?! Why do you want to be buried there?"

"That way, I'll know you'll come visit me at least twice a week."

Now let's check some closing numbers of interest:

+ Fortune magazine rated Synovus the third most admired company, when it comes to "consumer credit." What do the top two companies do - not charge any interest at all?

+ New Life Tanning declared in a commercial it's been rated among the top 250 tanning centers in the U.S. After the discovery of tanning beds during the raid on Advance Fast Tax, we're starting to understand why the owner claims to have the "cleanest tan" in town.

+ Georgia's men's basketball team led Florida 25-21 at the half - but wound up losing 50-38. The Bulldogs were colder in the second half than Vince Dooley's fans are toward university President Michael Adams.

+ Brookstone's baseball team embarrassed Carver 20-0 - and the game only lasted three innings! What's sad about this is the score probably would be the same after three periods, if their football teams met.

COMING FRIDAY: Has "Is Our City Safe" given himself or herself away?....

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