"The world does change, and it has changed considerably in St. Albans since 1993," said Attorney Ross Feldmann, as he supported building a Walmart in St. Albans, VT.
Feldmann was one of two attorneys to speak about the project, one for it, the other against it. The main argument Wednesday in the Oaks Hall at the Vermont Law School was, 'Is St. Albans ready for a Walmart?'
Attorney Jared Margolis said no.
"I think this is a very important issue for the state with how we're going to develop in the future," explained Margolis.
He told the Vermont Supreme Court Wednesday the project does not meet land use laws nor Act 250 permit requirements.
Since the original Act 250 permit was denied in 1993, St. Albans has seen some significant growth, and now that has raised some new arguments.
Feldmann based his support for the Walmart, on the recent St. Albans trend.
"This is now designated as a growth center, it was not back then. There has been a municipal water line extended out there, that was not there back then {1993}," stated Feldmann.
After 18 years, Walmart still waits to be built.
"You're talking about a 160,000 square foot store in an area that has seen some development, but it's at the brink right now of whether it's going to develop the way Vermont wants to see it develop, or in the sprawl-strip-type development that Act 250 has prevented in this state to a large degree," commented Margolis after the arguments were heard.
Margolis says there is no timeline for when the supreme court will rule on the case.
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