The Seekonk
Reporter
SEPTEMBER 2011 Volume 23, no. 9
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Serving the Residents of Seekonk, Rehoboth and Surrounding Communities Since 1989
Residents Concerned About Proposed Walmart Supercenter
see page 46
37th Annual
Pumpkin Somethin’
by Laura Calverley Many Seekonk residents are unhappy about a new Supercenter that Walmart is planning to build on Fall River Avenue/Route 6, up the road from Walmart’s current store. Their concerns range from increased noise and pollution to decreased property values to wetlands preservation. But, there are others who believe it will be beneficial to the town, bringing in new jobs and tax revenue. The proposed Walmart store is 150,000 square feet and will be located on 22 acres that is now the site of Fantasyland, a miniature golf course, Sherwood Ultra Sport and a closed driving range. (The property had not yet been purchased, according to Walmart, as of this writing.) A group of neighbors living on Mabel Drive, a residential street abutting the property, got together and formed a group, called “Seekonk First” to oppose the new Walmart. Seekonk First has grown to more than 160 members who believe that the current Walmart sufficiently serves the community and that a new Supercenter would adversely affect the community in many ways. “People aren’t realizing the impact that this is going to have to the neighborhood,” said Lori Mello, one of the organizers of Seekonk First. Lori and her husband Joseph Mello have lived on Mabel Drive for nine years. She says the proposed Walmart store will be about 40 feet from their property. continued on page 4...
Mildred H. Aitken School 165 Newman Avenue, Seekonk
Saturday October 1st, 10-3 Over 40 Crafters, Food, Bake Table, Children’s Games with Prizes, Kids Crafts, Rock Wall, D.J., Raffle Baskets Pony Rides, and so much more Rain or Shine
Do
n ’t
miss the fun! Proposed Walmart Supercenter building plans.