According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Powhatan may be the future site of a new Walmart store. Walmart representatives met with local leaders yesterday to dicsuss opening a store on the easter end of the county.

Many residents have voiced their concern over bringing the big-box store into Powhatan. They are worried that the retail giant will negatively affect small businesses and quality of living.

This is not simply a hot topic for business owners in the area, homeowners should also be aware of the project. Adding a new shopping facility can boost area property values, however, those gains could be wiped out if the addition of the super-store harms area businesses.

"Wal-Mart may be coming to Powhatan County.

Representatives from the retail giant met with local leaders yesterday to discuss plans to bring a store to the eastern end of the county.

The 53-acre property being considered is on the north side of U.S. 60, just west of state Route 675 near the entrance to the Luck Stone plant. Nearby, in Chesterfield County, Wal-Mart is opening its 12th area store at Hull Street and Winterpock roads, in the Hancock Village shopping center.

An attorney representing the company, along with architects and engineers, talked with members of the Board of Supervisors, county administration and planning staff to discuss a proposal.

'They said they are very close to putting in a rezoning application,' County Administrator Carolyn Cios said.

The property is zoned for residential, commercial and industrial uses. Filing for purely commercial zoning would mean at least two public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

'We suggested they be very open about the process with the citizens of Powhatan about their plans and recommended that they hold town meetings so the public can have input through the process,' she said."

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