Walmart renews fight for new store

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Despite all the protest and a flat-out "no" from the city's Environmental Planning Commission, the landowners have decided to keep on fighting to build a new store on Albuquerque's West Side.

The company had until the close of business Friday to appeal the commission's decision, and they met the deadline with less than an hour to spare.

City planners say the store would bring too much traffic for the roads around Coors Boulevard NW and Montaño Road to handle.

Walmart claims the decision was arbitrary.

If city planners approve the appeal, city councilors will make the final decision.

It's a move residents were not happy to hear.

"I think we have enough Walmarts," said Zachary Burke. "There is one off Coors and I-40 and one off of Golf Course and Paseo. There's plenty."

"It's just going to increase the traffic, and this part of town just doesn't need another Walmart," agreed resident Barbara Nord.

Walmart did not respond to KRQE News 13's request for comment. The company claims the new store would create about 250 jobs.