Wal-Mart Resolution - Liveable City

Liveable City Position on Walmart over the Aquifer
July 2, 2003

Liveable City recommends the City of Austin and Travis County study the use of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) as a long-range tool to protect the sensitive Barton-Springs Edwards Aquifer, and as a positive and practical alternative to locating Wal-Mart in this area.

The development of Wal-Mart over the aquifer is divisive, and opposed by neighbors and environmental groups throughout the region.

Furthermore this proposal is contrary to the long held vision of development over our sensitive aquifer. That this site does not comply with the Save Our Springs Ordinance and will negatively impact traffic congestion are important reasons for finding positive and practical alternatives to this project.

The negative impacts of this proposal are what the City of Austin intended to avoid by discouraging major employers and "big box" retail from locating in this area.

The City of Austin and Travis County should develop a fair long-range policy providing retail choices and economic opportunity while balancing the protection of sensitive environmental areas and neighborhoods. The proposed Wal-Mart does not meet this standard and we again recommend exploring the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) as a positive and practical alternative for our community.