location is on St. Joe property on the northwest corner of U.S. 98 and West Hewett Road. It was only a matter of time, and is sure to put a lot of small businesses out.
The applicant is requesting site approval for a 78,290 square foot retail building on 10.15 acres along with a request for deviations from the Land Development Code Section 13.02.05.09 regarding Building Signs, and 13.02.03(3) regarding colors.
Section 13.02.05.09 of the Land Development Code allows single tenant projects larger than 15,000 square feet a maximum 100 square foot facade mounted building sign.
Within this 100 square feet the maximum letter height is 36” for words in upper case letters. When words are in both upper and lower case, the main body of the lower case letters is limited to 30”.
The petitioner is requesting a deviation to allow a total of 223 square feet of facade mounted building sign. The facade mounted building sign being proposed consist of individual letters. The total height of the “Walmart” sign is proposed to be 5’-6” with the yellow star at 8’-0”.
Section 13.02.03(3) of the Land Development Code requires all colors to be used in conjunction with development along the US 98 Scenic Corridor to be selected from the approved colors found in the Munsell Book of Color, Nearly Neutrals Collection.
The petitioner is requesting approval to use two colors that are not found in the Munsell Book of Color. The two colors are “Toasty” which is an accent color that delineates the entrance to the building and branded signage location. The other color is “Medium Wal-Mart Blue” which is an accent branded color for pedestrian site amenities and public safety.
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Makes me nauseous - thank god I didn't buy property I was looking at over there. I could be living near a Wal-mart! Why couldn't they have stayed in Destin and PC w/ the rest of the tacky crap and box stores instead of coming here to destroy our happy lives!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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Last edited by scooterbug44; 12-03-2009 at 06:33 PM.
It was inevitable, but Wal-Mart will design their stores to fit their surroundings when forced to. Let's hope our county commissioners do a bit of research and stick to their guns.
I am not even sure I know where this is exactly.... I tried finding West Hewitt Rd on google map and nothing showed. Can someone give me an idea where this is in relation to say SRB?
It was inevitable, but Wal-Mart will design their stores to fit their surroundings when forced to. Let's hope our county commissioners do a bit of research and stick to their guns.
I am not even sure I know where this is exactly.... I tried finding West Hewitt Rd on google map and nothing showed. Can someone give me an idea where this is in relation to say SRB?
Thanks in advance.
G
across from Donut Hole
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I hate Walmart. And I really hate that there are certain things my family needs and uses that are dollars cheaper per item than at Publix (peanut butter and cereal are the 2 regular items that come to mind). I can't justify not going right now since we are watching our money like everyone else, and the Walmart runs cause frequent moments of self-loathing. So, I make a Walmart run about every 3 weeks for staples, and shop several times a week at Publix for perishables.
But- I am not so lazy that I can't drive to Destin, PCB, or DeFunk to go to a Walmart, places where the Walmarts are located in established commercial areas and not stuck in the middle of a field in the middle of a long stretch of empty highway. I certainly don't think the county needs to change the sign code for them- does anyone really need a sign to point them in the direction of a 78,000 SF building?
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I don't get it - that seems SO close to the one in Destin. That's bizarre!! Besides, those who do shop at Walmart for certain items do so when they go into Destin for this that or the other. I think it is a shame to waste that land on something that isn't even needed or apparantly wanted.
I guess I will be the first to suffer the slings and arrows of saying I am looking forward to a Wal-Mart moving so close to home. As I have said before on here, in another thread on the same topic, the same rhetoric was thrown about when Wal-Mart opened a store in New Orleans' lower garden district. Not only did it bring jobs, it helped revive a slumping neighborhood without hurting the 'character'. Further, the predicted shuttering of mom and pops did not occur. If anything, there are more small businesses open in the neighborhood now than before. I predict that the new Wal-Mart will have little to no negative effect on existing business on 30-A.
We might as well face it-the day is coming when HWY 98 commercial property will be developed. Frankly I am glad to have more shopping choices. However, I will totally be a NIMBY and fight efforts to open McStores on 30-A.
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I guess I will be the first to suffer the slings and arrows of saying I am looking forward to a Wal-Mart moving so close to home. As I have said before on here, in another thread on the same topic, the same rhetoric was thrown about when Wal-Mart opened a store in New Orleans' lower garden district. Not only did it bring jobs, it helped revive a slumping neighborhood without hurting the 'character'. Further, the predicted shuttering of mom and pops did not occur. If anything, there are more small businesses open in the neighborhood now than before. I predict that the new Wal-Mart will have little to no negative effect on existing business on 30-A.
We might as well face it-the day is coming when HWY 98 commercial property will be developed. Frankly I am glad to have more shopping choices. However, I will totally be a NIMBY and fight efforts to open McStores on 30-A.
On behalf of budget-conscious families everywhere, I'll stand with you, skunky. And no doubt the throngs of tourists who descend upon sowal each season would agree.
I also agree that the zoning and character of 98 is far different from that of 30A. Big boxes have no place on 30A.
And Gidget, I agree that 2 of those examples look, well, tacky. I thought the New Urbanist plan looked pretty good. My point was that communities do seem to have some power over store design.
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I guess I will be the first to suffer the slings and arrows of saying I am looking forward to a Wal-Mart moving so close to home. As I have said before on here, in another thread on the same topic, the same rhetoric was thrown about when Wal-Mart opened a store in New Orleans' lower garden district. Not only did it bring jobs, it helped revive a slumping neighborhood without hurting the 'character'. Further, the predicted shuttering of mom and pops did not occur. If anything, there are more small businesses open in the neighborhood now than before. I predict that the new Wal-Mart will have little to no negative effect on existing business on 30-A.
We might as well face it-the day is coming when HWY 98 commercial property will be developed. Frankly I am glad to have more shopping choices. However, I will totally be a NIMBY and fight efforts to open McStores on 30-A.
LOL when I told my husband he said GREAT! He sees it the same way you do.
On behalf of budget-conscious families everywhere, I'll stand with you, skunky. And no doubt the throngs of tourists who descend upon sowal each season would agree.
I also agree that the zoning and character of 98 is far different from that of 30A. Big boxes have no place on 30A.
And Gidget, I agree that 2 of those examples look, well, tacky. I thought the New Urbanist plan looked pretty good. My point was that communities do seem to have some power over store design.
I guess it is hard to tell from the drawing, but it is the best of the 3 no doubt!!
IF you could design it - how would you? Maybe there could be a contest to do so!
I guess I will be the first to suffer the slings and arrows of saying I am looking forward to a Wal-Mart moving so close to home. As I have said before on here, in another thread on the same topic, the same rhetoric was thrown about when Wal-Mart opened a store in New Orleans' lower garden district. Not only did it bring jobs, it helped revive a slumping neighborhood without hurting the 'character'. Further, the predicted shuttering of mom and pops did not occur. If anything, there are more small businesses open in the neighborhood now than before. I predict that the new Wal-Mart will have little to no negative effect on existing business on 30-A.
We might as well face it-the day is coming when HWY 98 commercial property will be developed. Frankly I am glad to have more shopping choices. However, I will totally be a NIMBY and fight efforts to open McStores on 30-A.
I had clients and contacts in many small Kentucky towns, and every time a Walmart opened up on the edge of those towns, those downtowns died. Then after 10 years or so, the Walmart decided it needed a "bigger and newer" place or needed to be a "Super Walmart" and it leaves it's ugly shell behind to devastate the ugly strip mall and the local businesses that sprang up around it. Your experience in the Garden District was maybe a more urban phenomena, but I have seen nothing but bad for the local businesses of rural areas when a Walmart sets up shop right in the middle.
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I had clients and contacts in many small Kentucky towns, and every time a Walmart opened up on the edge of those towns, those downtowns died. Then after 10 years or so, the Walmart decided it needed a "bigger and newer" place or needed to be a "Super Walmart" and it leaves it's ugly shell behind to devastate the ugly strip mall and the local businesses that sprang up around it. Your experience in the Garden District was maybe a more urban phenomena, but I have seen nothing but bad for the local businesses of rural areas when a Walmart sets up shop right in the middle.
Maybe, maybe not. Remember that here, unlike inland, there are only so many places they can move to. Bay to the north, gulf to the south, Eglin and state forest all around. I have a feeling that what they build will be for the long haul. Other than Ace Hardware, who else do you think is in jeopardy? John John I guess. Nobody I can think of on 30-A.
I guess I will be the first to suffer the slings and arrows of saying I am looking forward to a Wal-Mart moving so close to home. As I have said before on here, in another thread on the same topic, the same rhetoric was thrown about when Wal-Mart opened a store in New Orleans' lower garden district. Not only did it bring jobs, it helped revive a slumping neighborhood without hurting the 'character'. Further, the predicted shuttering of mom and pops did not occur. If anything, there are more small businesses open in the neighborhood now than before. I predict that the new Wal-Mart will have little to no negative effect on existing business on 30-A.
We might as well face it-the day is coming when HWY 98 commercial property will be developed. Frankly I am glad to have more shopping choices. However, I will totally be a NIMBY and fight efforts to open McStores on 30-A.
Sounds like a win somewhere that needed one. I wouldn't say SoWal is a slumping neighborhood and any success coming our way is probably not going to hinge on a Walmart. The boutiques and restaurants on Scenic 30A will not suffer, but SoWal is a lot more than 30A and most local businesses are not on 30A.
The truth is, Destin is spreading east and Panama City Beach is spreading west. How close do we want or need them to be?
Be prepared for more toys, tents, and trash on SoWal Beaches.
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the wal mart closest to my house has downsized...opened about 3 years ago and within a year, they had closed off nearly 1/2 of it...greatly reduced the amount and variety of merchandise...the closed half is just sitting there empty
in nearby college town, the 1st walmart built was in walking distance of students but was closed, is still empty...newer, bigger super walmart built 2-3 miles from center of town...def not withing walking distance of the 16K students at the university...I've always wondered about that decision
my biggest issue with local walmart is the slow, slow lines...all those registers and most are closed
Sounds like a win somewhere that needed one. I wouldn't say SoWal is a slumping neighborhood and any success coming our way is probably not going to hinge on a Walmart. The boutiques and restaurants on Scenic 30A will not suffer, but SoWal is a lot more than 30A and most local businesses are not on 30A.
The truth is, Destin is spreading east and Panama City Beach is spreading west. How close do we want or need them to be?
Be prepared for more toys, tents, and trash on SoWal Beaches.
Kurt, 20 years from now every inch of commercial land between Destin and PCB will probably be developed. Whether people get their beach crap from Wal-Mart or a cutesy shop is irrelevant, there will be places selling it. I think we need to defend our uniqueness, which is the beach and 30-A. I don't know if Wal-Mart will be a net benefit to our area or not, but it does not herald the apocalypse like some imply above. I am still trying to figure out what existing businesses will be impacted adversely.
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I haven't been here long enough to say I've earned the stripes of a local yet. 3 1/2 years full time and a small company is what I bring.
My two cents on this matter is, that gap between Destin and PCB will infill with employment capable of supporting more of the service industry and should create some boost in local home sales. I'm not talking the Retreat or Rosemary Beach, but many have homes for sale out there that may become within reach of a two income family trying to stay local.
We choose where we spend our money and thank God we can. There isn't a business on 30-A that won't see growth by having more families within a 10 mile radius of such a store.
Yes, some will go to Walmart. But, some will visit some new little store because it's just around the corner and they know who's running the till that night...
Kurt, 20 years from now every inch of commercial land between Destin and PCB will probably be developed. Whether people get their beach crap from Wal-Mart or a cutesy shop is irrelevant, there will be places selling it. I think we need to defend our uniqueness, which is the beach and 30-A. I don't know if Wal-Mart will be a net benefit to our area or not, but it does not herald the apocalypse like some imply above. I am still trying to figure out what existing businesses will be impacted adversely.
I understand your position....it will bring jobs, allow for shopping, etc. More useful for those of you who live there fulltime. I would likely feel the same....However, 30A is my paradise...my escape from commercialism....I love the fact that I have to drive miles and miles to hit a big chain. I fear the development of 98 along 30A. I know it is inevitable, but things will change. The charm will likely lessen....
I understand your position....it will bring jobs, allow for shopping, etc. More useful for those of you who live there fulltime. I would likely feel the same....However, 30A is my paradise...my escape from commercialism....I love the fact that I have to drive miles and miles to hit a big chain. I fear the development of 98 along 30A. I know it is inevitable, but things will change. The charm will likely lessen....
I'm sure your pain is shared by many.
The only cure is the purchase of huge tracts of available property.
I had clients and contacts in many small Kentucky towns, and every time a Walmart opened up on the edge of those towns, those downtowns died. Then after 10 years or so, the Walmart decided it needed a "bigger and newer" place or needed to be a "Super Walmart" and it leaves it's ugly shell behind to devastate the ugly strip mall and the local businesses that sprang up around it. Your experience in the Garden District was maybe a more urban phenomena, but I have seen nothing but bad for the local businesses of rural areas when a Walmart sets up shop right in the middle.
And then once they kill off the original small businesses, they promptly raise prices. We regularly paid more for groceries from a rural Walmart in Tennessee than we were paying shopping in Publix a couple years later. Hate their monopoly pricing scenarios, and have only set foot in one once in the past 10 years (replace a dead car battery when everyone else was closed) because we've thankfully had other options.
This is a sad day. It's not just Wal-Mart - it's also everything else that comes with it. Residents and tourists alike love that our area is unique and beautiful. Wal-Mart is neither, and wait until you see the sprawl that follows in its wake. Our economy will likely suffer not so much from the hit to small businesses, but to our status as one of the last great non-sprawl places. People come here in part to get away from places like Wal-Mart.
On a more hopeful note, we could get smart about our planning and prevent a whole strip of this in the future. We can even retain some of our character if the big box designs are right. I'm not ready to give up yet!
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On a more hopeful note, we could get smart about our planning and prevent a whole strip of this in the future. We can even retain some of our character if the big box designs are right. I'm not ready to give up yet!
...JOE has a whole bunch of land to unload--if the price is right, JOE will take the money.
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Oh goody! More tents and plastic beach crap is sure to follow. Maybe they will sell those great plastic shovels so we can bury it right on the beach. On the other hand it should boost sales tax revenue for Walton County that currently goes elsewhere.
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Well, at least the location isn't more 30a centric. As long as its not on the 'magic loop' I can better pretend its in Destin. *wistful sigh*
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Robert, it looks like your thread was an instance where it would have been nice to share what you know with the community instead of being coy, that way you can help build our community for all, and build trust for you.
Although, I have and do shop Wal Mart occasionally, my wife who really counts loves the store. I would just prefer it stay where it is. As for the colors, my personal opinion is they are not intrusive and the ones I have seen would not be terrible for its surrounding. Robert being coy, tell me ain't so.
Re staples like peanut butter and cereal, I have found I can do as well or better than WalMart by checking the Publix weekly ads on line and stocking up when things I know I use all the time go on sale or two for one. It does take a little more time and thought, but after a while it becomes a habit. Saves gas and time in the long run. WalMart will drain off some of Publix's sales to people who want one stop shopping and think they are getting a deal at WalMart.
Since the Destin WalMart rearranged the store two or three years ago I have noticed their prices on many items went up and the selection went down. I rarely go there anymore, and when I do it is almost always for something not readily available in SoWal. Recent purchases that come to mind: pillows, a mattress cover, a bicycle air pump. (Big Daddy's was out of them, no doubt because all three SoWal Tom Thumb's air machines are broken )
I do think Ace is in jeopardy, and if they can't make it, it will be a long drive if you need a 2x4. The local nurseries may be in trouble too. And possibly the Santa Rosa Pharmacy. Give me some time, Skunky, I may think of others.
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Re staples like peanut butter and cereal, I have found I can do as well or better than WalMart by checking the Publix weekly ads on line and stocking up when things I know I use all the time go on sale or two for one. It does take a little more time and thought, but after a while it becomes a habit. Saves gas and time in the long run. WalMart will drain off some of Publix's sales to people who want one stop shopping and think they are getting a deal at WalMart.
Since the Destin WalMart rearranged the store two or three years ago I have noticed their prices on many items went up and the selection went down. I rarely go there anymore, and when I do it is almost always for something not readily available in SoWal. Recent purchases that come to mind: pillows, a mattress cover, a bicycle air pump. (Big Daddy's was out of them, no doubt because all three SoWal Tom Thumb's air machines are broken )
I do think Ace is in jeopardy, and if they can't make it, it will be a long drive if you need a 2x4. The local nurseries may be in trouble too. And possibly the Santa Rosa Pharmacy. Give me some time, Skunky, I may think of others.
I encourage everyone to shop online for the few things you can't get close to your home. But I understand some people like to hunt and gather. And some don't have computers and internet. Prices at Walmart are not lower than other places, certainly not online.
As for Ace and the rest, following Walmart will be Home Depot, Office Depot, Best Buy, McDonald's etc. Some will welcome such "progress".
Also coming soon, a loss of identity and charm, increased pavement, traffic, light pollution, etc. Is gaining (perceived) convenience and a few dozen low-paying jobs worth it?
The petitioner in the application answer yes, the granting of the two deviations will contribute to the enjoyment and enrichment of the citizens and visitors of Walton County.
Quote:
In the application the petitioner answered yes, the requested deviations will exhibit harmonious relationships with the structure itself and the scenic corridor as a whole by using the principles of skillful design.
Will the petitioner please expound on these answers, or is it just sufficient to answer in the affirmative?
I'll add that I knew this day was coming. I've had in the back of my mind that when Walmart came to SoWal, I would make my exit. I doubt anyone will miss me, but they may miss my tax dollars. But I guess for every person like me who leaves because of development, or people who won't move here because of too much development, there are plenty more that will stay or move here.
Places without stars in the sky are sometimes fun to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
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Re staples like peanut butter and cereal, I have found I can do as well or better than WalMart by checking the Publix weekly ads on line and stocking up when things I know I use all the time go on sale or two for one. It does take a little more time and thought, but after a while it becomes a habit. Saves gas and time in the long run. WalMart will drain off some of Publix's sales to people who want one stop shopping and think they are getting a deal at WalMart.
Since the Destin WalMart rearranged the store two or three years ago I have noticed their prices on many items went up and the selection went down. I rarely go there anymore, and when I do it is almost always for something not readily available in SoWal. Recent purchases that come to mind: pillows, a mattress cover, a bicycle air pump. (Big Daddy's was out of them, no doubt because all three SoWal Tom Thumb's air machines are broken )
I do think Ace is in jeopardy, and if they can't make it, it will be a long drive if you need a 2x4. The local nurseries may be in trouble too. And possibly the Santa Rosa Pharmacy. Give me some time, Skunky, I may think of others.
Yep, local nurseries may be in trouble, especially the one where Toni used to be, but that endeavor may fail regardless of competition. I think Publix pharmacy is already putting a squeeze on Santa Rosa Pharmacy but nobody seems to mind our new Publix.
I guess what I don't understand is why people are so surprised that the commercial land on 98 will be developed with big boxes and chains. We lament it, but we have allowed so many independent operators to fail as it is. Obviously, we vote with our wallets and we have thus far spoken loudly.
I am not worried about 98 becoming sprawl hell like some have stated above. Look at the map Kurt has posted above-the land resources simply do not exist for this. I say let the inevitable commercial development of HWY 98 occur in a coherent manner and we double our vigilance regarding the preservation of non-commercial green space and 30-A.
A ways back, Walmart tried to bully the city of Mary Esther into changing zoning designation on the last large vacant parcel of land bordering 98 in those parts so they could build a store. ("If Walmart doesn't go in there, low income housing will." Which made absolutely no sense because that parcel was too valuable to 'waste' on poor people.) Despite Walmart threatening to sue to change the zoning, the city held firm about the designation and Walmart eventually went away.
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If this Walmart on 98 in SoWal is inevitable, might we at least push the BCC and Planning Commisiion to insist Walmart give the signage and facade the "new urbanism" treatment? Here's the picture from USA Today:
Yep, local nurseries may be in trouble, especially the one where Toni used to be, but that endeavor may fail regardless of competition. I think Publix pharmacy is already putting a squeeze on Santa Rosa Pharmacy but nobody seems to mind our new Publix.
I guess what I don't understand is why people are so surprised that the commercial land on 98 will be developed with big boxes and chains. We lament it, but we have allowed so many independent operators to fail as it is. Obviously, we vote with our wallets and we have thus far spoken loudly.
I am not worried about 98 becoming sprawl hell like some have stated above. Look at the map Kurt has posted above-the land resources simply do not exist for this. I say let the inevitable commercial development of HWY 98 occur in a coherent manner and we double our vigilance regarding the preservation of non-commercial green space and 30-A.
If you look closely at the map, there isn't all that much green, from 331 to around 395, still better than nothing i suppose. Everything else will fill in densely and will look just like 98 on Miramar Beach. Is that what you call a coherent manner?
Here's what I would propose - keep a tree buffer between the stores and the highway and put some signs on entry roads. We don't need to see buildings and parking lots to know they are there. We're not that stupid are we? Do we need to see buildings and a parking lot full of cars? And how about dim the lights? - don't we want to be turtle and people friendly and not get rid of the stars?
I think Publix pharmacy is already putting a squeeze on Santa Rosa Pharmacy but nobody seems to mind our new Publix.
Maybe, but the Santa Rosa Pharmacy is willing to deal on their prices, and the service is really good. For everyday stuff like antiseptic, eye wash, stuff like that, the selection is better than Publix and the prices are good. I hope they stay in business.
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The Northwest Florida beach communities of South Walton County on the Emerald Coast - from east to west: Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Camp Creek, WaterSound Beach, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen, Sandestin, Miramar Beach - When you've said SoWal, you've said it all! Directly east is Panama City Beach, and directly west is Destin. Point Washington and Freeport on the bay round out SoWal.
Looking for free SoWal stickers?If you’re not lucky enough to be at the beach, send us the number of stickers you want and a self-addressed stamped envelope to SoWal.com, 174 WaterColor Way #114, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
Why couldn't they have stayed in Destin and PC w/ the rest of the tacky crap and box stores instead of coming here to destroy our happy lives! 
We were here first. They are just coming back to their roots. And from what I read, they are trying to be more like us.
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