Commissioners deny Ringling Wal-Mart

Every now and then, David (the underdog) defeats Goliath (the heavily-funded favorite) and that’s what happened Tuesday night when City Commissioners voted 3-2 to deny the site plan approval that would have allowed for the construction of a Wal-Mart SuperCenter in the vacant Ringling Shopping Center.

After more than eight hours of testimony, spread out over two City Commission meetings, and including more than three hours of public input Tuesday night, Vice-Mayor Willie Shaw made the motion to deny the Wal-Mart site plan originally approved by the city’s volunteer Planning Board by a 3-2 measure in November.

Commissioner Terry Turner seconded Shaw’s motion and Commissioner Shannon Snyder provided the third vote needed to deny the site plan and support the appeal made by representatives of the Alta Vista Neighborhood.

Commissioner Paul Caragiulo and Mayor Suzanne Atwell voted against Commissioner Shaw’s motion and in favor of the proposed Wal-Mart.

(More in-depth reporting and reaction to follow later this week…)