Proposed Walmart getting local opposition

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - There are 11 Walmart stores in Albuquerque, but a plan for a 12th at Coors and Montano is running into some strong local opposition.

Albuquerque’s Environmental Planning Commission could decide on whether the project gets the green light Thursday and big crowds are expected to show up.

The only thing on the agenda at the public hearing Thursday, is the proposed nearly 100,000 square foot Walmart Supercenter,

It will be held at the convention center because a large crowd is expected.

Several nearby neighborhood associations oppose the new store because of worries that it will increase traffic and hurt the nearby Bosque and neighboring school.

A developer speaking for Walmart told KRQE News 13 in January that traffic would not be impacted as much as previous plans for the site and that the supercenter would bring approximately 250 permanent jobs.

Last week city planning staff recommended the city deny the proposal because it did not provide enough access to large trucks.

No matter what the decision is today, this battle is not likely to be over as both sides can appeal the ruling to the city council.

The meeting is set to start at 1 p.m.