Southwest Missouri News--Joplin

by Carol Harris

Despite controversy and outbursts from angry residents, the Joplin City Council has approved the building of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The new store will take the place of the existing one on Seventh Street and Maidenlane Avenue.

The new store will be built on a 21-acre tract at the northwest corner of Seventh Street and Winfield Avenue.

Residents in the area argued that the increased traffic, lights and noise caused by the store would ruin their neighborhood.

A Wal-Mart representative said the store would have a privacy fence built around it to reduce noise, lighting and overflow of trash into the neighborhood.

The store will also not be accessible from Winfield Avenue.

Council members asked developers to give them assurances that these guidelines would be followed.

Construction will begin this summer.