Commissioners Sabrena Smedley, Randy Fairbanks and Marty Haynes
County Commissioner Marty Haynes said Wednesday he is "leaning against" approval for a controversial Walmart Neighborhood Grocery in Middle Valley.
He spoke after a lengthy hearing by the commission's zoning committee that drew an overflow crowd.
Two other members on the committee, Sabrena Smedley and Randy Fairbanks, said it was "a very difficult decision." Ms. Smedley did note that when she ran for office her motto was "for the people, of the people." She said she wished the developer and neighbors had come to an agreement, "but that didn't happen."
The panel declined to make a recommendation and will let the full commission decide next Wednesday.
Commissioner Haynes, in whose district the store would be located, said he had been hearing that the rezoning case was "a done deal" in favor of the developer. However, he said that had not been the case. He said he had gone to numerous meetings on the issue and listened to both sides.
He said, "You have to listen to those who live the closest and are the most impacted."
Joan Ferrell said when she first read about the development "I was heartsick. Now I am actually considering moving." Saying she felt "choked," she said, "The almighty dollar is going to steamroll a bunch of citizens."
Doug Pell, who has been leading the opposition, said, "We moved out there to get away from the hustle and bustle."
Another speaker said it would be the only Walmart at an intersection of two two-lane roads - Middle Valley Road and Thrasher Pike.
A woman said Middle Valley is "a bedroom community" and "does not need a 24/7 operation." The store would operate around the clock.
Developers said it will be a 41,000-square-foot grocery with a six-island fuel center and will be much smaller than a Walmart supercenter. It will be 24-feet high.
There would be entrances off Middle Valley Road as well as Thrasher Pike.
Developers promised to pay for a dedicated turn lane from Middle Valley Road into the site and to build sidewalks.
Matt Phillips of the Hutton Company said it would provide over 200 construction jobs and then furnish 95 jobs at the store. He said the design of the facility had been upgraded and it would include more windows as well as mountain stone and canopies. Also pledged was state-of-the-art LED lighting and extensive landscaping.
He said almost half of the site would be green space.
Advocates said it would generate $500,000 to $600,000 in sales tax per year.
Former County Commissioner and state Rep. Jim Vincent said it would be "a beautiful building with gorgeous landscaping." He said Middle Valley needed the commercial boost.