Members of the Millbrook Civic Association last week learned that Walmart will close its stand-alone store on Franklin Mills Boulevard and move into the empty Boscov’s store inside the mall complex. They liked what they heard.
Carole Fowler, the civic group’s president, told members during their May 24 meeting at the Calvary Athletic Association that the retail giant will take over and improve the Boscov’s, which was inside the mall’s “orange entrance.”
She and other members of the group’s board, as well as members of the Parkwood Civic Association, learned of the plans during a recent meeting with mall management and Walmart. She said Walmart plans to add about 40,000 square feet to the property, as well as more parking.
“It will be a super Walmart,” she said, adding that it will be open 24 hours.
Walmart and the mall’s management said union workers will be used in the construction, Fowler said, and that the new store will create about 240 jobs.
Sam’s Club, which is owned by Walmart, will remain open in Franklin Mills, she said.
Mike Bremser, Millbrook’s recording secretary, said no variances are needed, but zoning certificates are required to sell takeout food, seafood and to administer flu shots.
Members also learned that the JCPenney outlet store in Franklin Mills will become a JCPenney department store. Bremser said the change reflects what the company is doing nationwide.
Members voted unanimously to support Walmart’s plan. ••
