NBC40 News, March 21, 2011
EGG HARBOR TWP.– For the past seven years Wal-mart has been fighting opposition to build on the former site of Atlantic City Electric on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township.
It was another round of discussion from lawyers representing parties, for and against, the development of a Wal-mart Supercenter in the township.
Members of the Egg Harbor Township Planning Board met for the fourth time to discuss the possible construction of the 24-hour Wal-mart Supercenter on the former site of Atlantic City Electric, at the corner of Fire Road and the Black Horse Pike.
“Going one step at a time and the steps are really small. That’s kind of frustrating. I think we should resolve but there’s too many details coming up,” said Planning Board Chairman James Garth.
Construction for the Wal-mart was proposed back in 2004. A traffic issue held up the process but it’s been resolved. Now, discussion is time consuming. An attorney representing ShopRite store owners dominated most of the conversation at this meeting. However, the floor was opened up to the public, but only one group stepped up to the mic. They were in support of the project.
“It’s important for us and it’s jobs out there that we’re willing to do and that we need,” said Raymond Phillips with the Ironworkers Local 550.
Not everyone in attendance was in support of the proposed anchor store that will help make up a nearly 250,000 square foot plaza.
“I am definitely not in support of this application or Wal-mart in general,” said Gerald Chudoff with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 152.
Those with the Township’s Planning Board say their next meeting on the Wal-mart matter will be held on April 20th at 5:30 p.m.