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Zoning Board approves Walmart plan

It’s a step forward for a new Walmart Supercenter in northern Vanderburgh County. 

The Board of Zoning Appeals has voted 6-to-1 to grant code variances to the retail giant for the planned center at Highway 57 and Boonville-New Harmony Road. Board member Roger Lehman cast the only “no” vote.

The Evansville Courier and Press reports Walmart did agree to more concessions. The retailer agreed to a five-to-seven feet berm around much of the property, but only a landscaped “front yard” of at least 20 feet for so-called “outlots,” where other businesses are expected to develop. Plans also include an opaque fence.

Many neighbors were opposed to the code variances, but board attorney Dirck Stahl reiterated that denying Walmart’s requests for variances would rob the county of any leverage it has to hold the retail giant to concessions on other issues. Walmart’s plan will require more local government action.