Walmart waited two years, but the retail giant is finally going to get its Midtown Miami store.
After four hours of fierce debate, Miami commissioners approved a permit that allows Walmart to build a three-story, 203,000-square-foot store on a Midtown site during Thursday’s meeting, Miami Herald reported. Project plans include 577 parking spaces, several loading bays and a variety of retail stores on the ground floor.
Supporters and opponents of the project packed City Hall to argue their sides in the debate. Proponents argue the Midtown store would create 300 jobs and complies with the site’s zoning. Opponents attacked Walmart’s hiring practices and the negative impact a Midtown store would have on surrounding local businesses.
A lawsuit to fight the commission’s approval could be imminent. [Miami Herald] — Eric Kalis