This suburb about 40 miles to the east of downtown Phoenix is in the final stages of negotiations with Wal-Mart to build a 200,000-sf super center near its downtown, along Apache Trail. The center, which would include a grocery component, is expected to generate approximately $1 million in sales tax revenue for the cash-strapped city.
In the past few years, cities in Arizona have rejected proposals to build superstores. Gilbert and Chandler both rejected plans for a Wal-Mart, and Tucson has totally turned them away. Mesa narrowly approved plans for the city's fifth Wal-Mart, which prompted a cacophony of protest from residents. A number of cities are looking to enact zoning stipulations that would severely limit where super-sized stores could be built.
The downtown site earmarked for a Wal-Mart super center is already zoned commercial, so the retailer won't face an uphill rezoning battle like it's faced in other communities. For city officials, Wal-Mart represents nothing but positives for the community: more sales revenue, added amenities and a project that could attract more development in the downtown area.
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