Sought After Anchor Store Coming To Independence Boulevard

Eyewitness News learned encouraging news for nearly 200 businesses along Independence Boulevard, both vacant and running.

The Wal-Mart Corporation confirms a new store will be built on Independence Boulevard near Albemarle Road.

The bidding process to chose the team to build the store will begin in fall, and the store could be opened a year from then.

The development comes after several major roadblocks over the years that involved everything from land space issues to traffic flow.

Charlotte City Councilman John Lassiter said the city is bending over backward to make the deal a reality, which would bring with it upward of 400 jobs.

"It's true for all of the businesses that are either abandoned or struggling -- we need more room for us to do the kinds of things that will make Independence Boulevard vibrant again," he said.

One main issue may be resolved next week. The city may give businesses adjacent to Independence Boulevard an extra 50 feet of land to build on. Council members will vote on the topic Monday.

But people who live in the area said 50 feet is not enough to revitalize the east side of town.

Heather Ferguson is leading a rally Thursday night in east Charlotte that will focus on Independence Boulevard from Briar Creek to North Sharon Amity Road.

"If they feel there is money to go further down Independence and start widening that, we feel the money first should be used to clean up the problems they have already created before making more," she said.