County Council Blocks 35k SF Walmart Expansion In Landover
Walmart had hoped to expand its Landover Hills location by 35k SF, but after hearing public concerns, the Prince George's County Council decided to block the construction.
The county's governing body voted unanimously Tuesday to reject the Planning Board's approval of the expansion following a public hearing, the Washington Post reports.
Council member Dannielle Glaros, who we snapped at Bisnow's Prince George's County event in July, represents the area where the Walmart is located and made the motion to reject the approval. She said the expansion was too large and should have undergone a more thorough screening before receiving approval.
Walmart can appeal the decision in court or go through the county's special exemption process, which would involve a more rigorous review with more public input.
The retail giant announced in January it is closing 269 of its stores, including 154 in the US. As part of this decision, Walmart backed out of two DC developments it had planned to anchor—the Skyland Town Center and Capitol Gateway projects.
Part of the opposition to the Landover expansion is a result of commitments the community feels the retailer hasn't fulfilled, including proper upkeep of the store and bringing more commerce to the surrounding area. Instead, the Post reports, stores in the vicinity of the Walmart have closed, but the retailer claims more neighboring retail is coming. [WaPo]
