How do you feel about the proposed Wal-Mart near Coors Blvd and Montano Road?
In a classic example of David and Goliath, a group of Albuquerque residents are taking on big box development on the Westside.
The protesters arrived dressed in boxes – some even covered themselves in grocery bags – for a rally against a proposed Wal-Mart in a vacant lot near Coors Boulevard and Montano Road.
"How many Wal-Marts do you need in one square mile? A rhetorical question,” state representative Bill O’Neil said. “I don't understand it, I don't think it's appropriate on any levels.”
The city recently approved zoning for mixed-use development in the privately owned property in front of the Bosque School.
“Having a big box store that close to the school is a problem traffic wise,” Tom Allen, a teacher at the school said.
Other protesters were concerned about the items that could be sold at the store.
“We are concerned that there would be a big box here that would sell fire arms and alcohol in such close proximity to a school,” Nancy Henson said.
The school even hired a land use lawyer to fight any possible development.
We contacted city councilor Dan Lewis, who represents the area, but he refused to talk to us.
He said attorneys told all city councilors to not discuss the issue because it could end up before the council – and in a lawsuit – if the development is appealed.
The developer sent his plans for development to the Environmental Protection Committee.
The group will hear his proposal in a December meeting.
KOB Eyewitness News 4 tried to contact Wal-Mart but no one was available for a comment.
A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Cibola High School auditorium.
The Bosque School has created a petition against the current development plans.
It is available at the Middle School Administration Building until November 18.
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