This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The South Salt Lake City Council decided during Wednesday's meeting to postpone a vote on rezoning property previously occupied by Granite High School.
More than 25 people expressed their opposition to the proposed change of rezoning laws and, more specifically, the prospect that a Walmart Neighborhood Market might replace the school. Concerns ranged from increased crime to traffic safety.
"I think we have heard over and over that the people who live around Granite High School don't want a development that includes a Walmart, and my fear is that if you vote tonight to change the zoning, you open the door to something the citizens don't want," said resident Connie Anderson. "I would ask you to consider not doing this until there is an appropriate development on the table."
"I don't know why we're considering ramming this through tonight," said council member Mark Kindred. "I don't think that needs to happen. I really don't."
Other members acknowledged that the developers of the property have a deadline with Granite School District, but decided it was best to "continue the conversation."
Ultimately, the council moved to postpone any further action until its next meeting on Feb. 24.
Council members Ben Pender and Debbie Snow said they'd like to visit a Walmart Neighborhood Market in the region and speak with community leaders who have dealt with that type of development. Snow also said that the reason the council has sought out grocery stores like Walmart and the Winco that's being built in another part of town is because the city is considered a "food desert," meaning many residents don't live within walking distance to a grocery store where they can purchase fresh produce and healthy food.
"The constant refrain (we hear is), 'We have to drive so far to get to a grocery store' ... so I am struggling that we now are fighting a grocery store," Snow said. "But I'm totally listening. I hear the concerns."