"Pullman Wal-Mart Supercenter Gets Green Light"

From KLEW TV in Lewiston:

The proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pullman has cleared a major hurdle.

Late Friday afternoon, Hearing Examiner John Montgomery upheld the City of Pullman's approval of the Wal-Mart Supercenter Site Plan as well as it's Determination of Non-Significance.

Although subject to conditions, including construction suspension should any graves or human remains be discovered on the site, and completion of new traffic signals at the intersection of Bishop Boulevard and Fairmount Drive before the building can be occupied, the decision clears the way for construction of the Supercenter. The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and site plan appeals were filed by the Pullman Alliance for Responsible Development (PARD).

On Friday PARD said it was reviewing the details of the decision. PARD said it was immediately clear that the decision "imposes new conditions on Wal-Mart, particularly with regard to traffic safety."

PARD said that it's efforts "have led to greater public safety for Pullman citizens, one of the chief reasons for the appeal."

PARD also said it will be studying the decision to determine if there is a need to appeal to Superior Court based on public concerns not sufficiently addressed in the document.

"Imposes new conditions on Wal-Mart, particularly with regard to traffic safety"? "Led to greater public safety for Pullman citizens, one of the chief reasons for the appeal"? What a crock!!!Here's what the traffic condition is, from the Hearing Examiner's decision:

The level of participation of 20% by Wal-Mart does is not proportional to the impact to that intersection caused by the proposal. The Public Works Directory (sic) may determine the level of participation of Wal-Mart recognizing that the road system of the City of Pullman, and other property owners, may be potentially benefitted.

So that's the big "safety improvement". All of PARD's protesting will make Wal-mart pay a few more thousand dollars towards a traffic signal. Whooooppeeee!

Okay, PARDners, declare your little victory and go home. Any further appeals will be pointless and only cost the city more tax money. It's obvious you neber had a case from the beginning and you never had public support. Stop the insanity and end the embarassment.

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