Walmart withdraws Delray Beach zoning request

By Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Walmart has withdrawn its request for a zoning change that would have allowed the retail giant to build a store on the former site of Ralph Buick on South Federal Highway.

The issue was to be subject of a public hearing at Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Delray Beach City Commission, which had passed first reading of the zoning change ordinance as a procedural matter two weeks ago.

The zoning had met considerable opposition from nearby neighborhoods, particularly Tropic Isle, and the city’s planning and zoning board recommended against the change as too broad for the site when it met in August.

“Walmart appreciates the city’s efforts in processing the applications but has decided to reassess its position within the market,” Susan Motely, an attorney with Ruden McClosky representing the retailer told the city in a letter Monday. “WalMart does remain committed to serving its loyal customers and the residents in the surrounding communities. In light of this withdrawal, WalMart representatives will not attend tomorrow evening’s meeting.”