WPCNR Main Street Journal. November 3, 2004, Updated 6:00 A. M. E.S.T.: WPCNR has learned that Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer will take two floors of the former Sears property next to City Hall, and across the street from City Center. The Journal-News is confirming this report in a press report this morning. Walmart is expected to set up a grocery and retail operation, leasing the space from Ivy Equities.
When Ivy Equities first leased the property they called it “The Shoppes on Main,” and promised a series of boutique upscale retail establishments in what was described as a mini-mall arrangement. Walmart is the first tenant to be signed. The possibility of Walmart being among the final five parties interested in the property was first reported by WPCNR September 17.
THE WAL-MART WATCH: Target’s archrival has taken space (2 82,000 sq. foot floors) in the former Sears location across the street from City Center, home of Target. The rumors of Wal-Mart eyeballing the space first surfaced in August. Mayor Joseph Delfino went on record at the time as saying he preferred Wal-Mart, (an arch competitor of Target) not rent the space. Photo by WPCNR News.
Andrea Rader, a spokesperson for Wal-Mart, contacted by WPCNR Wednesday, was asked if the Shoppes on Main Wal-Mart would be a sophisticated chi-chi Wal-Mart, to fit in with Donald Trump’s 2-1/2 Million condominiums across the street at City Center. Ms. Rhea said she was unable to get in touch with the public relations person who would know of further details on any Wal-Mart operation planned in White Plains. Wood: City’s Hands Tied. Paul Wood, the city Acting Executive Officer, quoted in this morning’s Journal-News today, said Wal-Mart needed only to apply for a building permit to occupy the first two floors of the former Sears building. Wood indicated no opposition by Mayor Jospeh Delfino in the press report this morning to the coming Wal-Mart presence, though the Mayor said he was opposed to Wal-Mart coming when the possibility of Wal-Mart was first raised. The interior of the first floor has already been painted the traditional Wal-Mart blue as of early fall, as part of the preliminary Ivy Equities renovation of the retail space. Wal-Mart has been negotiating with Ivy Equities for about 8 weeks. Wood told the Journal News reporters that the space is already zoned for retail, which would indicate the Common Council has no jurisdiction over whom Ivy Equities leases its space. He also told Journal-News reporters,that sales tax revenues from Target would indicate that Wal-Mart would add $800,000 a year to city sales tax collections. |
