Pullman Wal-Mart store moving ahead

Wal-Mart has cleared another legal roadblock to building a controversial superstore in south Pullman.

A Washington state appeals court has dismissed a challenge to the proposed 223,000-square-foot store by a citizens group concerned about its affects on traffic and Pullman businesses.
In an unpublished opinion Tuesday, the 3rd District Court of Appeals this week rejected an appeal by the Pullman Alliance for Responsible Development, which had contested the city’s approval of the site plan and its determination the development was not likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts.

“We are overjoyed; we have been kind of patiently waiting on this one,” said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Jennifer Spall. “As far as we’re concerned, this is the last legal straw, and we are going to proceed with construction.”

PARD members will meet Thursday to plan a new strategy, which “may or may not involve further legal matters,” said spokesman T.V. Reed.

“PARD knew that we were up against a huge monopoly, and while we’re disappointed, we’re not surprised by the decision; we continue to figure out new ways to fight Wal-Mart,” Reed said. “We continue to believe that Bishop Boulevard is a terrible site with huge traffic problems.”