Hall commission Wal-Mart meeting this afternoon

GAINESVILLE - After weeks of controversy, community meetings and a public hearing, the North Hall Wal-Mart question is ready to go to the Hall County Commission.

The board takes up a proposal for a SuperCenter at Southers and Thompson Bridge roads at 4:30 this afternoon at the Gainesville Civic Center.

As we reported earlier this week, the commission has decided each side will have 40 minutes to state their case - twice the amount normally set aside in zoning cases.

Opponents fear the store will bring more noise, traffic, people and crime to their neighborhoods.

Last month, the Hall County Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend denial of Wal-Mart's 45-acre rezoning request.