New Walmart opens amid compromise

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After years of neighbors fighting Walmart over the redevelopment of Northcross Mall, Wednesday morning the new Walmart opens its doors.

It's located on West Anderson Lane in Northwest Austin.

Residents who fought this big box retailer over the original plans for this Walmart said they are pleased with what is going to be opening.

It's a much smaller version - however, there are still concerns for local businesses.

"We've noticed less frequency in shoppers," said Michael Ferweda, owner of Zinger Hardware across the street. "We've noticed the parking lots in general seem to be less full."

In 2006, when Walmart announced it was going to take over the Northcross Mall site the original plans called for a two story tall building with more than 200,000 square feet and a three-story parking garage.

The group Responsible Growth for Northcross was formed and fought Walmart in court over the plans.

However in the end the judge sided with the retail store - but that didn't stop neighbors from working with developers who created what they are calling a "Neighborhood Market by Walmart" a 98,000 square foot building.

That's 43 percent smaller than what was originally planned and there is no parking garage.

"It's a credit to neighbors and developers that they are going to open a store that we think will be a better fit in our neighborhood," said Jason Meeker, VP of RG4N.

Meeker said he always knew something was going to be redeveloped on this piece of land, but neighbors had hoped for mix use development that included some green space.

While this Walmart is being called a win -win for those involved, local business owners said they are a little nervous. One record shop owner told KXAN he plans to offer music that Walmart won't carry. But others said Walmart will help drive more traffic to the area and could boost sales.

"We're really looking forward to this community getting the opportunity to shop here," said Walmart Regional Manager Julie Martin.