Miami commissioners votedThursday to allow retail giant Walmart to build a new store in the city’s Midtown district.
The two-year battle came to a close after four hours of debate and testimony. Commissioners decided Walmart complied with zoning rules, and unanimously granted the retailer a special Class II permit. This will allow a 203,000-square-foot building at the sound end of Midtown, including three floors and parking space for nearly 600 cars.
The city’s Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board had previously recommended Walmart be allowed to move forward with its building plan.
Walmart introduced these plans more than two years ago, and the opposing sides have faced off several times since. Proponents say the store would create as many as 750 construction and retail jobs, and be a source of affordable consumer goods. Residents fighting against the superstore say it will ruin the trendy vibe in Midtown.
The only option left for opponents is to fight the issue in court.
