Albion may become home to Wal-Mart

More than 200 people filled the seats at the Albion Middle School on February 14 to hear more about a Wal-Mart proposal to build a super center on the outskirts of the village.

Wal-Mart is seeking town board approval to construct a 155,070 square foot store on 24 acres of land at the southwest corner of Route 31 and Gaines Basin Road. The Orleans County and Albion planning boards have recommended the Town of Albion board approve the zoning changes Wal-Mart is requesting.

Wal-Mart is unable to move into the vacant Ames site as it is too small for their needs and the grocery store that occupies the site has a lease that prohibits another grocery store moving in.

Residents voiced their opinions, both pro and con, regarding the proposed construction. Waterport resident Sheldon DeHollander urged the town board to make any changes that were necessary to get the store built. Since the Ames department stores closed in both Albion and Medina in 2002, shoppers in Orleans County are forced to travel to neighboring Brockport, Batavia or Lockport to find a department store, residents say.

Other residents fear that letting Wal-Mart in would lead to sprawl and loss of agricultural land. Another concern raised was the fact that Albion already is home to three grocery stores and the inclusion of a grocery area in the super Wal-Mart was unnecessary.

The Albion Town Supervisor said, "Both sides brought up good points." The next step in the process will be the board's acceptance of Wal-Mart's environmental impact statement and making zoning changes. The Albion Town Board meets March 14 at 7 p.m. and may be ready to make a decision at that time.