Alachua residents pack City Hall for Walmart zoning hearing

ALACHUA, Fla. (WCJB) - The Alachua City Commission heard from residents about a proposed Walmart along US 441, with dozens packing City Hall to voice their opinions on the project still in the planning phase.

Commissioners continued discussions from weeks ago about zoning changes for the possible Walmart. The first conversation addressed whether the city should adopt a change to its comprehensive plan. The second, a first reading and quasi-judicial hearing, focused on a zoning change to make way for the possible Walmart.

Dozens of residents spoke at the meeting, with most concerned about over-development and added traffic.

Prtha Edwards, a resident, said she was worried about the possible environmental impact of more concrete.

“The area is right on top of a sensitive aquifer recharge zone, so a 33-acre commercial development there where everything will be cut down and pavement and asphalt will be put in place is completely detrimental to our water table,” Edwards said.

Others in the crowd spoke in favor of the project, saying development is inevitable and that Alachua should embrace growth.

No decision can be made on the actual zoning change from the meeting, but the commissioners voted to approve the change to the comprehensive plan during their initial discussion.

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