Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CENTERVILLE, Utah (AP) -- Wal-Mart's request for a conditional-use permit to build a 209,000-square-foot store failed on a tie vote by the city's planning commission.
"Wahoo!" said resident Tanner Egan as he and several others wearing anti-Wal-Mart T-shirts stood and gave each other high-fives after Wednesday's vote.
The seventh member of the commission, its chairman Brian Hulse, a real estate attorney whose firm has conducted business for Wal-Mart, recused himself months ago from any decisions regarding the company. The remaining six members voted 3-3 and Wal-Mart's application failed for lack of a majority.
John Owens, an attorney for the company, said regional Wal-Mart officials will decide whether to appeal.
Owens said the company had made extensive changes to its plan to accommodate concerns.
"We've even agreed to noise levels when no noise ordinance exists in Centerville," he said.
Commission member Lee Duncan cited residents' traffic and safety concerns.
"It's not the responsibility of the planning commission to look at a regional trade area but to look out for what's best for the citizens of Centerville," he said.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
