Judge Denies Appeal To Block Midtown Walmart
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The last hurdle to block Walmart from springing up in Midtown has been passed.
A judge on Thursday denied an appeal to block the development of the company's store in the chic area.
The dismissal upholds a previous ruling which originally cleared the way for development of the store.
Construction is now underway, following the judge's decision on Thursday.
The company released a statement on the matter saying,
"We are pleased that the appeals court has validated the lower court's decision and the City of Miami Commission's unanimous approval of our new Walmart store in Midtown. This decision brings Walmart one step closer to creating hundreds of new jobs and access to affordable groceries for the residents in nearby Wynwood, Overtown, Allapattah and Downtown Miami who have been anticipating our store's arrival for years. Walmart looks forward to working with our neighbors as construction progresses, store hiring begins and we prepare to open our doors."
Back in 2013, commissioners gave the company the go ahead to build the two square block store in Midtown.
Those opposed to it said the Walmart would ruin an area that aspires to be a chic high quality neighborhood.
Walmart argued the store would be compatible with chic area with a landscaped, pedestrian-friendly design.
The store will be located at the south end of Midtown at 3055 N. Miami Avenue in a three-story structure that includes 577 parking spaces.