Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Digest

Wal-mart will adjust to satisfy area residents

By TIMES STAFF
Published July 29, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG

Wal-Mart is moving ahead with plans for a supercenter on 34th Street at First Avenue N, but is adjusting to address issues from a meeting with area residents. In a letter from its attorney, the company notified the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association that it was upgrading its exterior design to more closely resemble the Craftsman style of the Kenwood neighborhood, but is making no concessions on its policy of not providing benefits for domestic partners of employees. The Arkansas retailer is making other concessions, however, including reducing its building by 2,000 square feet to 105,000 in order to allow a left-turn entrance from southbound 34th Street. Neighbors worried about traffic without that access, although the store says the change still needs state approval. Wal-Mart also will build a kiosk near the storefront that will advertise galleries and other businesses from the adjacent Grand Central business district. The letter also assures that the company will have high security and will feature upscale products.

Networking events bookend workday

Tuesday is the day for business networking, be it before or after your workday. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a "before breakfast" networking event at 7:30 a.m. at its headquarters, 100 Second Ave. N. Then, after work, the chamber is hosting an event aboard the Treasure Seeker, the mock pirate ship docked at the St. Petersburg Pier. The shipboard event starts at 5 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is a fee for both events, though it is discounted for chamber members. Call 821-4069.

[Last modified July 28, 2007, 20:50:42]