The City Commission’s rejection of Walmart’s plans to develop a supercenter on Ringling Boulevard may end up being but a small episode in a prolonged effort that could involve litigation by the Arkansas-based merchant.
“They have three options now,” said city attorney Robert Fournier. “Walk away, try a different approach to see if they could work with the city on rezoning, or litigate.”
For Walmart, the aging Ringling Shopping Center offers a choice 10-acre tract and the ability to better blanket Southwest Florida. The supercenters closest to the Ringling site are on Lockwood Ridge Road in southern Manatee County and on Cattlemen Road.