Round 2: Walmart Headed Back to Planning Board

Walmart representatives will be back before the North Adams Planning Board on Monday night with more detailed plans for the Super Center proposed for the city's old gravel yard.

Planners had requested more information on site elevation and a more Colonial looking exterior for the massive box store. The mega-retailer had been slated to appear before the board in February but asked for postponement because the plans couldn't be drawn up in time.

Monday's meeting is expected to draw a crowd similar in size to the standing-room only attendance at Walmart's first appearance with the board in January. The discount chain has mailed another flurry of postcards to area residents urging them to write letters of support to local newspapers and to attend this coming meeting.

NorthAdamsFirst.com, created by city residents concerned over the effects of such a large Walmart on existing business, traffic and the environment, are also urging residents to attend the meeting and ask questions to assure they're informed.

The site's developer, acting as BVS 5401, is requesting five permits related to the construction and operation of a major retailer.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers.