Wal-Mart gets cold shoulder from some Bowie residents

Wal-Mart has seen this movie before.

Just as residents of the Montgomery County neighborhood of Aspen Hill have dug in their heels against the big box retailer, some citizens of Prince George’s County have done the same. Residents near the Duvall Shopping Center in South Bowie are upset by a plan to build a Wal-Mart store on the property, The Washington Post reports. In both cases, traffic is feared to have a negative impact on the community. And some citizens oppose Wal-mart because it does not pay wages they consider adequate.

But other neighbors in Bowie are also steamed that their county, considered by some to h ave long been barren of upscale retail, is once again eyed for a lower quality, discount big-box store.

“When is enough poor quality enough?” The Post quoted retired teacher Margaret Boles as asking at a County Council hearing Monday night. “We think Prince George’s is being targeted with poor quality and merchandise.”

Wal-Mart currently has four locations in Prince George’s County.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has signed off on the Wal-Mart proposal. The council is weighing whether or not to send the proposal back to planners for adjustments.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up