Wal-Mart files site plan for another superstore

Kerman could be the latest battleground for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which has filed a site plan for a superstore on 17 acres on the city's fringe.

The nation's largest retailer proposes a 154,648-square-foot store at the southwest corner of Whitesbridge Road and Goldenrod Avenue. Three commercial pads also are planned on three additional acres.

City officials say the store will generate up to 300 jobs, $500,000 in new sales tax and badly needed shopping opportunities for residents who often go out of town to buy school clothes and other supplies.

Others say the community can't support a store that large, and fear local businesses could be hurt. Grocery store owner Gary Yep notes that 20 percent of the giant store would sell food items -- and potentially be a competitor.