City Councilors Reject Wal-Mart Bid to Build, Support Site For Recreation

In news that caused Wal-Mart's ever-happy smiley face to frown, Albuquerque city councilors last week rejected the world's largest retailer in support of acquiring its 22-acre site for recreational purposes, including use as landing space for the city's annual International Balloon Fiesta.

Albuquerque's KOB-4 reports area residents have fought the proposed 126,000-square-foot building for the past year, saying that a Wal-Mart Super Center would change the feel of their community.

"We urge your support for funding for the purchase of this site, which can be used for a permanent home of the much needed soccer fields for children of Albuquerque as well as a landing site for hot air balloons," Gary Bennett, president of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, told councilors. "The need is not contrived, the need is real."

Although the city earmarked $6.1 million to buy the land, City Council President Debbie O'Malley acknowledged that Wal-Mart may not view selling the site too favorably. That could lead to the precedent-setting use of eminent domain and condemnation of the land.

Said Silvio DeAngelo, an opponent to taking such measures, "You need to look at the precedent this is setting, and this is a bad precedent. This is bad public policy."

While the county appraised the land at $3.6 million, Wal-Mart contends it is worth more than $10 million. If a settlement price can't be reached and the city seeks condemnation of the property, it will be up to a judge to determine the purchase price.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is world-renowned and has been an attraction and destination for thousands for the past 35 years.

FMI: www.balloonfiesta.com, www.cabq.gov/council, www.walmartfacts.com