Wal-Mart opponents speak up in W. Dundee
A group opposing the proposed Wal-Mart SuperCenter in West Dundee may be taking on the world's largest retailer, but members are making sure their voices are heard.
At every opportunity, members of Dundee Neighbors -- a coalition of more than 500 local residents -- are showing up and vocalizing their opposition to the proposed 186,000 square foot retail center at the corner of Huntley Road and Elm Avenue.
At least 25 people attended the village's Appearance Review Commission meeting Tuesday for Wal-Mart's final presentation regarding landscaping, elevation, signage and lighting site plans.
The commission ensures developers meet appearance requirements laid out in the village's code.
The village's planning and zoning commission last week approved variances to allow Wal-Mart to increase the height of its parking lot lights to 42 feet and to install larger but fewer landscaped islands in the parking lot.
Though the group does not oppose Wal-Mart on principle, or dispute the zoning of the property, group members say the sheer size of the development is worrisome.
Toni Martell, a West Dundee resident, said the SuperCenter, with its retail and grocery components, is not harmonious or in good scale with the surrounding properties. Martell said the surrounding area has changed significantly since the site was zoned for regional retail in 2000 in preparation for a Meijer development.
"Scale is a problem," Martell said. "The demographics have changed and the surrounding development has changed. It's not the same as 2000. (The development) fails to meet one standard, and that is scale."
That scale and proximity to the nearby Tartans Glen subdivision -- located southwest of the proposed development -- would hamper residents' quality of life, said resident Teresa Smith.
"The placement will make it impossible for residents not to be affected in a negative way by Wal-Mart," Smith said.
The village board will discuss the Wal-Mart proposal at its June 9 committee of the whole meeting. That meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Public Safety Center I.