The City Council will vote Wednesday on a proposal to allow the nation’s largest retailer to build its second Chicago store.
The City Council will vote Wednesday on a proposal to allow the nation’s largest retailer to build its second Chicago store. The city’s Zoning Committee unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Alderman Anthony Beale (9th) that allows Walmart to anchor a retail and housing development in the Pullman community on the Far South Side. If approved by the City Council Walmart officials said the company plans to expand in Chicago with two-dozen stores. It currently has one city store, on the West Side. “Over the next five years we hope to build a dozen or so stores throughout Chicago starting with one on the South Side,” Steven Restivo, director of Community Affairs for Walmart, told the Defender. But winning approval will not come easily because a majority vote is needed for the measure to pass. There are 50 aldermen and 19 are Black, so even if all Black aldermen vote for the proposal seven more votes are still needed, said Ald. Ed Smith (27th). “I plan to vote for it and I think we will be able to find the rest of the votes needed to pass this,” Smith said. “I would like to see a Walmart built in my ward. Walmart represent opportunities – from jobs to economic development, two things desperately needed in the Black community.” And Beale said he is confident the measure will pass. “This the beginning of a new era. I am filled with joy. This is not just about the 9th Ward but all of Chicago. (This) vote of confidence by the Zoning Committee gives my people hope,” Beale said. Beale said since his Pullman Park project is a few years away from being completed, it would be good if Walmart built a store in Ald. Howard Brookins’ 21st Ward first. “The development in his ward is up and running and construction could start immediately,” Beale said. Brookins has previously tried to get City Council approval for Walmart to build a store at 83rd Street and Stewart Avenue across the street from Simeon Career Academy High School but has been unsuccessful. He plans to vote for a Walmart expansion and said every Black alderman will probably do the same. “Now that the flood gates are open I am sure the 21st Ward will get a Walmart,” Brookins said. “The next Walmart built in Chicago will be on 83rd and Stewart. You can count on that.” In 2006, Walmart opened its first store at 4650 W. North Ave. and Ald. Emma Mitts, whose 37th Ward includes Walmart, said it has been a lifesaver. “Walmart has been nothing but good economic news for my community. During today’s harsh climate, people are looking for jobs and sustainability for their families,” Mitts told the Defender. “Not only do we now have the 400-plus Walmart jobs, we have created nearly 500 more with the opening of several new major retailers since the Walmart opened.” According to Beale, the Pullman Park development in his ward will include Walmart and another big box retailer, new affordable homes, a hotel, a school, and other smaller businesses along the Bishop Ford Expressway at 111th Street. Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender Photo: Defender/Worsom Robinson
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