A Northern Kentucky town has snubbed Wal-Mart, rejecting a proposed superstore because of the fear of more traffic in what the town feels is an already saturated area. The Fort Wright, Ky. store would have occupied 204,000 square feet on a 60-acre lot. Arguments supporting the store opening, including bringing new revenue and road improvements to the area, could not stifle the local opposition.
While Fort Wright represents a typical Wal-Mart target area with few nearby shopping opportunities for a growing residential arena, many community members stood steadfastly against a store opening. Traffic, congestion and road construction are turn-offs for the relatively quiet suburban area. For now, the project has been killed, though developers will have the opportunity to revise the plan and try again.