Deltona residents say they don't want Walmart, other stores in their neighborhood

DELTONA, Fla. — Residents say developers want to build a Walmart at the intersection of Saxon and Sterling Silver boulevards in Deltona, but many of those who live nearby told Channel 9's Myrt Price on Friday that they don't want the store.

"This is one of the nicest developments in here and we don't want a Walmart," said resident Tom Wells.

Residents told Price that they believe the big box store will make their property values drop.

"People don't want to live by a Walmart, especially in a beautiful community like this," said Wells.

Developers' plans also include adding fast food restaurants, and other retail businesses.

An urgent care and an outpatient surgery facility are planned to go across the street.

People living nearby said they are concerned about the traffic growth the development would bring.

They said their neighborhood is filled with children and with elderly residents living in a senior center.

"Walmart brings in a lot of cars, we're talking about 4,500 to 4,700 a day," said resident John Pike.

Residents have even circulated petitions and gotten hundreds of signatures in an effort to stop the development.

Officials with the company working to develop the area told price that they have a contract to buy the land.

They said they have plans to put a shopping center there but wouldn't elaborate on those plans.

The issue is set to go before the City Council on April 7, and residents said they plan to show up in full force to ensure the city understands how they feel about the issue.

Developers have to convince the city to rezone the area before they can start building.

WFTV