After months of opposition, some DeBary residents are not giving up their fight against a planned Walmart.
The City Council will meet Wednesday to approve plans for the store that is set for construction near the intersection of U.S. 17/92 and Pine Meadow Drive.
The city explored the possibility of restricting store hours but that idea didn't move forward.
Resident Bob Forsythe said he opposes construction of the store.
"We're not done yet. We've got one more shot tonight. Hopefully someone on council sees the impact of what it's going to do," he said.
The city approved rezoning for the project in February. Neighbors sued but lost in court.
Now, some homeowners in the nearby community of Glen Abbey, like Forsythe, believe the city could have gotten more concessions from the developer. Mayor Clint Johnson disagrees.
"They have made, in my opinion, a lot of compromises for the community," Johnson said.
Those living near the area where the store is expected to be built said one of their big concerns is traffic. They are concerned that their neighborhood will become a shortcut for many people headed to the store.
"It'll back up it a half-mile easily in the morning. You get 15 seconds to get through that light. That's it," Forsythe said.
Forsythe and others want more done to address traffic concerns.
"I'll continue working with (the Florida Department of Transportation) and the county to put some stop signs in there. Just anything we can do to help improve the safety of that neighborhood, I support it," Johnson said.
Wednesday night, the council will review the plans for compliance. If council members reject the plans, it could possibly delay the project but likely won't stop it.
The City Council will meet Wednesday to approve plans for the store that is set for construction near the intersection of U.S. 17/92 and Pine Meadow Drive.
The city explored the possibility of restricting store hours but that idea didn't move forward.
Resident Bob Forsythe said he opposes construction of the store.
"We're not done yet. We've got one more shot tonight. Hopefully someone on council sees the impact of what it's going to do," he said.
The city approved rezoning for the project in February. Neighbors sued but lost in court.
Now
"They have made, in my opinion, a lot of compromises for the community," Johnson said.
Those living near the area where the store is expected to be built said one of their big concerns is traffic. They are concerned that their neighborhood will become a shortcut for many people headed to the store.
"It'll back up it a half-mile easily in the morning. You get 15 seconds to get through that light. That's it," Forsythe said.
Forsythe and others want more done to address traffic concerns.
"I'll continue working with (the Florida Department of Transportation) and the county to put some stop signs in there. Just anything we can do to help improve the safety of that neighborhood, I support it," Johnson said.
Wednesday night, the council will review the plans for compliance. If council members reject the plans, it could possibly delay the project but likely won't stop it.
WFTV
