Wal-Mart nearly ready to build city’s new store

City Commission tonight expected to approve roadwork related to project

It will be the summer of Wal-Mart.

Leaders with the world’s largest retailer have been granted a city building permit to begin construction on its $9.5 million store at the northwestern corner of Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive.

“We’re hoping to start construction very soon,” said Angie Stoner, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman. “We’re looking at a grand opening of around mid-to-late spring of 2009.”

The project also will have road crews busy. City commissioners at their meeting this evening are expected to give necessary approvals to move ahead on installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Sixth Street and Congressional Drive.

The intersection will be the main entrance for the Wal-Mart, and commissioners conditioned the store’s approval on a stoplight being installed in the area.

The project also will include a “traffic calming island” that will be built on Congressional Drive south of Sixth Street. The median-like device will be about 30 feet long and feature landscaping. The median will begin just south of where Congressional Drive and Congressional Circle meet.

“What it is supposed to do is tell people that they’re moving from a commercial area to a residential area, and they need to slow down,” said Chuck Soules, city director of public works.

Ultimately, city leaders are hoping the traffic calming island — which will be similar to one on Folks Road just south of Sixth Street — will reduce the amount of cut-through traffic generated by the commercial development. The main impact of the island is that it will reduce the width of the lanes on Congressional from about 15 feet to 11 feet, Soules said.

“Narrower lanes usually cause people to slow down,” Soules said.

The project — the stoplight and traffic calming island — is expected to cost about $330,000.

Wal-Mart and other property owners surrounding the intersection will split the costs, with Wal-Mart and its related development paying the majority share. No city money will be used.

The traffic signal is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A design for the traffic calming island still must be finalized and presented to neighbors. Construction work on the island likely will not begin until summer 2009.

The Wal-Mart store — which will be about half the size of a Supercenter but will include a grocery department — is the largest construction project to pull a permit in the city this year.

Omaha-based Oakview Construction is the general contractor, but Stoner said she expected some local contractors would be hired as project subcontractors.

City commissioners meet at 6:35 tonight at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.

Comments

Anonymous Multidisciplinary says...

The corner mentioned gets the smallest area of the photo.

?

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:17 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous justforfun says...

Thank goodness Walmart is being built!!! I'ts about time!!! Whew! I can save some gas money by not having to drive clear accross town.

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:38 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous KSA_21_3503 says...

"City commissioners at their meeting this evening are expected to give necessary approvals to move ahead on installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Sixth Street and Congressional Drive."

When is the city going to realize that more stoplights = more congestion? Just look at the disaster that is 31st & Iowa. How many stoplights do we need within a quarter of a mile?

Instead of worrying about slowing down and "calming" traffic, the city needs to work on helping traffic "flow." A good flow will reduce congestion, pollution, wear on the roads, accidents, and travel time for motorists.

And, while I'm at it, what the h--- is with the stop signs on Wakarusa at Inverness AND at Harvard? It is a 4-lane road for Pete's sake. 4-Way stops are entirely inappropriate for those types of intersections.

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:46 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous situveux1 says...

Oh boy a Wal-Mart story! I can't wait to read the Wally-World hater comments!

Posted 13 May 2008, 6:58 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Raphael says...

Well, thanks to all those folks who TRIED to stop this unwelcomed retail monster chain from getting into our neighborhood. It will be a sad day when those doors open.

Posted 13 May 2008, 7:02 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous jumpin_catfish says...

Hooray! And all you whiners put a lid on it. Its over, so move on! WalMart won fair and square. (Can't wait for the reactions to that comment)

Posted 13 May 2008, 7:19 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous just_another_bozo_on_this_bus says...

"WalMart won fair and square."

Yep, they pulled out their wallet and bought yet another fair and square victory.

But the cheap crap that you can already get just a few miles a way isn't going to be so cheap as the US dollar continues to tank.

Posted 13 May 2008, 7:23 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous DaREEKKU says...

This town is completely hypocritical. Maybe if both sides pulled their head out of their backside once every five years and came back to reality we could move on to more important issues.

Posted 13 May 2008, 7:26 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous monkeyhawk says...

I wonder if boozo is willing to stand in front of the dozers? I doubt it, all show, no go.

At any rate, I love the smell of blood boiling in the morning.

Posted 13 May 2008, 7:42 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Andini says...

Woohoo! I can't wait 'til I can go buy underwear, 30 weight oil and the latest Garth Brooks cd all in one place!

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:08 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous BuddhaDude says...

Hurray for more stoplights. Hopefully they will go all the way down Wakarusa and replace the 4-way stop signs. 4-way stops on roads with multiple lanes is stupid.

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:08 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous LeonTrotsky says...

I am with the first guy. Why is the actual corner where the Great-Wal will be virtually omitted from the photo? Is there actually any wheat being grown in the NW quadrant of the intersection? I think there are just some trees that'll need bulldozin' and grass.

Hail the Great-Wal!
Savings for all! Servitude for all! Wal for all!

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:19 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous gr says...

"A design for the traffic calming island still must be finalized and presented to neighbors."

Does this mean that people will be voting/voicing on something that someone else will have to personally pay for? Something that "usually cause people to slow down”?

"The project — the stoplight and traffic calming island — is expected to cost about $330,000."

I don't know how much the stoplight costs, but the portion for the "calming island", which they are "hoping" and will "usually" slow people down - is that a reasonable amount for the "benefit" given?

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:22 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous 3crookedhearts says...

Here's hoping this Wal-Mart will keep the neo-con Westies away from our side of town. Thank you Wal-Mart, thank you for keeping the suburbanites where they belong!

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:25 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

"Woohoo! I can't wait 'til I can go buy underwear, 30 weight oil and the latest Garth Brooks cd all in one place!"

Brought to you by the people who thought Intelligent Design sounded like a good idea.

Woohoo, indeed.

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:26 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Horace says...

I noticed that First Management is busy destroying the greenspace between Folks and Wakarusa on 6th.

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:28 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous hawkperchedatriverfront says...

$9.5 million. Too bad the city populace is not aware of other projects that have been stalled that were twice or 3 times that amount because of the planning department moles, the HRC, the neighborhood groups and the Chamber of Commerce no less. This is a further attempt to continue the whoring and prostitution of older neighborhoods east of Kasold especially the five target neighborhoods, the whores of the city. Keep that federal money flowing right into Margene Swartz department and not into the neighborhoods that bring it here. City hall has it's own pimp daddies and pimp mommas. $9.5 million is really a drop in the bucket for construction if the truth were to be told.. Will Marion Johnson tax it as such?

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:31 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Take_a_letter_Maria says...

Horace (Anonymous) says…

I noticed that First Management is busy destroying the greenspace between Folks and Wakarusa on 6th.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
If that's the case it is just as the contractor because that development is someone else's.

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:35 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous wysiwyg69 says...

I that hope all of you stupid morons end of working for min. wage at walmart because its sooooo much cheaper to buy their lead lead filled toys and other high quality crap. Try living within your earnings. walmart sucks no matter how you paint it

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:39 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous supercowbellninja says...

I for one cannot wait to buy my new editions of the "Left Behind" novels by Tim LaHaye and the latest Kirk Cameron inspirational gospel videos.

That, and lots of XXXL sweatpants.

Man, I hate WalMart.

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:40 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous lunatic says...

Build it fast and start paying taxes. The property tax alone is $275,000/year

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:42 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous dirkleisure says...

How long until there are 4 stoplights on 6th Street between Wakarusa and K-10?

In civilized communities, the maximum number of lights should be every 1/2 mile, and that's pushing it. But in Lawrence, well just look at Clinton Parkway - the number of lights on that road is obscene.

All it takes is one accident in this town and somebody is putting up a stoplight. The stoplight at 6th and Folks is already ridiculous overkill, pretty soon there will be 6 more within a mile of that road.

If you don't want residential streets to be used by commercial traffic, then don't facilitate access to them by putting up stoplights.

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:49 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous gr says...

"because its sooooo much cheaper to buy their lead lead filled toys and other high quality crap. Try living within your earnings."

Exactly what are you saying....

-----------

"All it takes is one accident in this town and somebody is putting up a stoplight. The stoplight at 6th and Folks is already ridiculous overkill, pretty soon there will be 6 more within a mile of that road."

If the city wants to jump on the global alarmist bandwagon, it should be mandatory that all stoplights be minimal and synchronized. Otherwise the city is contributing to global warming.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous cheeseburger says...

KSA and Dirk-

You're right on with your posts. We're going to end up with another debacle out there just like the one on 31st between Ousdahl and Nieder. I'd like to find who the city staffer is who has, as their goal, a stoplight at every intersection in town, and who is hell-bent on slowing and congesting traffic as much as possible, instead of finding ways for it to flow smoothly. I cannot belive the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices suggests such restrictive controls on traffic.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:03 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Ceallach says...

Wasn't it the city commission that started the problem when they tried to renege on an original approval? or am I misremembering?

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:07 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous just_another_bozo_on_this_bus says...

"Wasn't it the city commission that started the problem when they tried to renege on an original approval?"

An approval that violated the city planning document, H2020.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:10 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Haiku_Cuckoo says...

I don't like WalMart, but I can understand how it may be a necessary option for old people on a fixed income as well as families who have been hurt by our failing economy. I don't want to see those people struggle any more than they already are.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:13 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous KS says...

KSA_21_3503 - You said it right. Why do we need another traffic light just a short distance from a major intersection. Just another spot to stop and burn up $3.50 + per gallon gasoline. Every city seems to try to slow down or "calm": traffic rather than make it move. In Germany I saw what appeared to be a traffic light just a few yards beyond a stop/go light controlled intersection. The lights would show 10 or 20 or 30. Whichever light was lit would indicate the speed (in kilometers) as to how fast one should drive to make the next light green. Very simple idea. Almost as good as a round about.

Back to Wal-Mart....if they have a grocery department, you can kiss Dillon's goodbye. Of course, Dillon's brought that on themselves with their two price system.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:25 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous acg says...

Dillons developed their two price system to keep in competition with other major grocery chains that were offering the same program (like the chopper shopper card). I also despise wal-mart. I understand their crap is cheap but it's cheap for a reason. Can you folks really justify what buying that crap does to our economy? Are your xxxl sweat pants at 2 for $10 really worth it? The last time I went to wal-mart (which was many, many moons ago as I personally think that all wal-marts should be bulldozed immediately) it was like someone let loose a gaggle of trailer park losers in there. I've never seen that many mullets and chained wallets since my father forced me to attend a tractor pull when I was a teenager. Lordy! Well, on 2nd though, no lets keep the wal-mart open. Those of you that are interested in getting your sweat pants, motor oil and a gallon of perfume on sale for $1.99 obviously need a place to shop.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:35 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous jumpin_catfish says...

This is great! More please more comments from the whiners!

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:59 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous HootyWho says...

I knew from the start of it all that walmart would win approval for their store, kinda like death and taxes. i'm not a walmart shopper, but i have been there.
Dillons won't close if all the Walmart opposers will keep shopping Dillons.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:02 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous acg says...

What you call whiners, catfish, the rest of us might call people that are generally concerned about the economic condition of this nation. But whatever, I'm sure you're more concerned with being able to purchase Hannah Montana cd's and tackle in the same store, aren't you?

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:04 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous dirkleisure says...

The Dillons at 6th and Wakarusa serves more single need shoppers than full cart shoppers as is.

I wouldn't be surprised if most of their business comes from people picking up 10 items or less. That business won't be going to Wal Mart.

However, it would be helpful if the city would put up a stoplight on Wakarusa between the Dillon's shopping area and the shopping area to the west. There should also be a stoplight on 6th Street for the Dillon's lot, maybe two.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:06 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

acg (Anonymous) says…

The last time I went to wal-mart (which was many, many moons ago as I personally think that all wal-marts should be bulldozed immediately) it was like someone let loose a gaggle of trailer park losers in there.
*****************************
No, you haven't ever been to Wal-Mart, you are just a brain-washed tool of the hateful left. Everyone shops at Wal-Mart except potheads like you. In fact, rich people tend to buy the bulk generic stuff from Sam's Club and Wal-Mart. There's a reason why they have money: because they're frugal.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:08 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous royalpain says...

I had no idea there were so many traffic engineers posting on this board! There are several requirements that must be met in order for a traffic light to be installed. Trust me - the studies are done for each and every location that has a traffic light. If the requirements aren't met - the light won't be installed. It's that simple. Stick to posting about topics you are familiar with.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:11 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

"No, you haven't ever been to Wal-Mart, you are just a brain-washed tool of the hateful left. "

Um, no. I'd be glad to accompany you to the exisiting wal-mart so that we can take a quick gander at the genetic bouillibasse that is the wal-mart target demographic.

Lots and lots and lots of unfortunate NASCAR types in there, many of whom seem to be corpulently obese (must be those bulk items).

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:13 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous EXks says...

Chinese factory workers and their commie guvment love WalMart!!

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:14 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Marcus says...

By saving you money, Wal-Mart allows people to donate more money to their favorite charity. Think of all the good things YOU can do with the money Wal-Mart saves you!

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:17 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous coolmarv says...

acg (Anonymous) says…

What you call whiners, catfish, the rest of us might call people that are generally concerned about the economic condition of this nation. But whatever, I'm sure you're more concerned with being able to purchase Hannah Montana cd's and tackle in the same store, aren't you?

Okay then. Where am I supposed to buy my Hannah Montana CD and Tackle?

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:19 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Ceallach says...

Taking shots at Wal-Mart is understandable. But the elitism blatantly obvious in posters who are reducing themselves to making such hateful attacks on people who shop there is truly ugly. Many of those you are trashing are hard working people, often living from paycheck to paycheck and do not need additional degrading because they shop at Wal-Mart. Give them a break . . . pretend they are trees, thereby deserving of your compassion.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:22 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous planetwax says...

Take a look at this site:

http://www.nlcnet.org/index.php

and see how Wal-Mart manages to offer you and I such LOW (too low) prices. There is a human and environmental cost. I will never step into a Wal-Mart again and I am actively avoiding many box stores for the same criminal activities that are being exposed by sites such as the National Labor Committee. If you think sweatshops are ok, then go ahead and shop at Wal-Mart and buy your name-brand items. Ignorance is bliss for you, but not for those on the other side of the globe.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:28 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous darkagentzulu says...

I feel bad for the 6 people that work at that litttle dillions. I guess we'll see if thier robot cash registers will hold out against the one old guy on a leash that says hi for 5.15 an hour and the other 500 hundred people that will be initially hired as part time slaves.

We could really use a Target out here, but we do not have enough apartment complexes for their slave population. Doug Compton really needs to get on the ball with that global real estate take over thing.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:28 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

duplenty (Anonymous) says…

Lots and lots and lots of unfortunate NASCAR types in there, many of whom seem to be corpulently obese (must be those bulk items).
***************************
Again, you are just a tool. You've never been to a NASCAR race if you think there is a "type" of person that enjoys that sport.

They only people that don't shop at Wal-Mart are potheads like you. Can you please take a shower and wash your clothes BTW?

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:28 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

"Many of those you are trashing are hard working people, often living from paycheck to paycheck and do not need additional degrading because they shop at Wal-Mart. "

Thanks for pointing out that wal-mart shoppers are "hard working". God knows that everyone who supports the *local economy* is a lazy, welfare abusing liberal abortion provider.

You can cry elitism all you like, but having been to wal-mart more times than I would have cared to, you cannot tell me that my observation is untrue.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:29 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Eride says...

"And, while I'm at it, what the h– is with the stop signs on Wakarusa at Inverness AND at Harvard? It is a 4-lane road for Pete's sake. 4-Way stops are entirely inappropriate for those types of intersections."

I agree, those stop signs are asinine!

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:34 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous cheeseburger says...

royalpain-

Since you apparently are a traffic engineer, please cite in the MUTCD where it suggests creating major intersections and erecting so many signals in a short span of roadway. I think you'll find that it doesn't.

The traffic flow in this town is designed to slow and constrict traffic, not to move it effectively and efficiently. After all, when was the last time you heard conversation relative to moving traffic in Lawrence? You don't - it's always about how to 'calm' it, restrict it, and slow it - speed bumps, speed humps, narrower lanes, islands, ill-timed lights, etc.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:36 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

"Again, you are just a tool. You've never been to a NASCAR race if you think there is a “type” of person that enjoys that sport."

Piffle. Been to the racetrack friend. There are lots of different types who enjoy watching a car drive in a circle for three hours, but the *vast majority* are pretty easily categorized.

So, let's see - there's not a "type" of person that likes NASCAR, but there is a "type" of person that dislikes walmart (and apparentley they're "potheads")?

Hmmm....brilliant.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:36 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous livingstone says...

To Walmart Haters, Walmart represents the new way of Globalization that American companies must adopt to compete. Guess which companies can actually dominate emerging markets? Walmart and GM, both are hated by Americans but they dominated foreign markets, which is what we want. GM is now the best selling cars in China (ok, stop hating them because they are emitting carbons), and Walmart is opening up in China like Mushrooms. Hate it or not, they're the models to reverse the negative trade balance.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:39 a.m. Suggest removal

Matthew Welch welch says...

Im glad to see they are taking care of the neighborhood south of 6th, but what about the neighbor hoods behind this new Walmart. I sure am glad, when I look out my window, I will see traffic and the garbage that is the back of Walmarts.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:40 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

Ohh, you don't like it when you're portrayed in a sweeping negative generalization do you duplenty? I wonder if you'll learn the lesson I was teaching you? Nah...

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:43 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous supercowbellninja says...

I hate Wal Mart, but as far as I know, it's the only place that sells Hanna Montana-brand tackle.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:45 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

"Ohh, you don't like it when you're portrayed in a sweeping negative generalization do you duplenty? I wonder if you'll learn the lesson I was teaching you? Nah…"

It doesn't bother me at all, because your opinion means absolutely nothing to me.

"The lesson you were teaching"? Right....you made that "sweeping generalization" (10:08 am) *before* I commented to you (10:13am), so, nice try at saving face.

Now, join your brethren at the free pork sample counter at wal-mart.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:50 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous c_dubya says...

I wonder how may of the Wal-Mart haters take their recycling there? Seems somewhat hypocritical to me...

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:50 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous alm77 says...

We seriously may be calling our real estate agent sooner than we thought....

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:51 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Ceallach says...

"Thanks for pointing out that wal-mart shoppers are “hard working”. God knows that everyone who supports the *local economy* is a lazy, welfare abusing liberal abortion provider."
____________________
#1 must you always bring your god into every post?
#2 your god doesn't know much if he/she/it *knows* that everyone who supports the local economy are lazy, welfare abusing liberal abortion providers.

"You can cry elitism all you like, but having been to wal-mart more times than I would have cared to, you cannot tell me that my observation is untrue."
__________________________________
You obviously believe in relative truth. Surprise, just because you have decided something doesn't mean it's true. You are not the what is and isn't true decidererererer.

You were just being cruel and we both know it.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:55 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous royalpain says...

cheeseburger-

This intersection will clearly meet the requirements for Warrants 1-3 of the MUTCD. I haven't seen the study, but I'm sure if you wanted to see it, you could get your hands on it.
As for "creating major intersections and erecting so many signals in a short span of roadway", you are right - I won't find that in the MUTCD. Why would that be in there? Sounds like a stupid reason to erect a light to me. There are plenty of valid reasons given in Warrants 1-8. Read them (especially condition B of Warrant 1) and you'll find that the signal is needed.
And no, I'm not a traffic engineer, but I did stay at a Holdiay Inn Express last night!

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:57 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

"#1 must you always bring your god into every post?"

You have either a) never read a single thing I have ever posted, or b) never been exposed to sarcasm.

"#2 your god doesn't know much if he/she/it *knows* that everyone who supports the local economy are lazy, welfare abusing liberal abortion providers."

Ditto b.

'You were just being cruel and we both know it."

Uh huh. Try not to let your crocodile tears stain your keyboard.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:02 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

duplenty (Anonymous) says…

“The lesson you were teaching”? Right….you made that “sweeping generalization” (10:08 am) *before* I commented to you (10:13am), so, nice try at saving face.
**************************
Nice try at saving face duplenty, but I was clearly making that remark in response to similar smug remarks about Wal-Mart shoppers by ACG. I try to teach as many as possible. Come back later for more lessons, they're free after all!

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:05 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

13 May 2008 at 10:08 a.m.
kansas778 (Anonymous) says…

"No, you haven't ever been to Wal-Mart, you are just a brain-washed tool of the hateful left. Everyone shops at Wal-Mart except potheads like you. In fact, rich people tend to buy the bulk generic stuff from Sam's Club and Wal-Mart. There's a reason why they have money: because they're frugal."

"I was clearly making that remark in response to similar smug remarks about Wal-Mart shoppers by ACG."

Seriously, you can stop now. Your struggling just makes it worse.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:10 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous BuddhaDude says...

Dear Cheeseburger -- if people would stop breaking the law and obey the posted speed limits, Lawrence would need all those traffic calming meassures.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:23 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous BuddhaDude says...

Whoops, meant to say "wouldn't need"

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:23 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous KSA_21_3503 says...

"I had no idea there were so many traffic engineers posting on this board! There are several requirements that must be met in order for a traffic light to be installed. Trust me - the studies are done for each and every location that has a traffic light. If the requirements aren't met - the light won't be installed. It's that simple. Stick to posting about topics you are familiar with."

Where do you think these requirements come from? Natural law? No, they are created by the city. The city has decided that it is more important to hinder traffic flow than help it. No one is arguing that the requirements aren't met for a traffic light. What we are arguing is that the policy behind these requirements is flawed and that this will only cause more congestion, pollution, wear on the roads, accidents, and travel time for motorists.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:32 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous planetwax says...

For some good articles on Wal-Mart and their seedy activities, go to www.democracynow.org and put "Wal-Mart" into their search engine.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:35 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

duplenty, did you see the whole post?
*********************
kansas778 (Anonymous) says…

acg (Anonymous) says…

The last time I went to wal-mart (which was many, many moons ago as I personally think that all wal-marts should be bulldozed immediately) it was like someone let loose a gaggle of trailer park losers in there.
*****************************
No, you haven't ever been to Wal-Mart, you are just a brain-washed tool of the hateful left. Everyone shops at Wal-Mart except potheads like you. In fact, rich people tend to buy the bulk generic stuff from Sam's Club and Wal-Mart. There's a reason why they have money: because they're frugal.
_____________________
Seriously, you are a slow learner...

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:37 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Take_a_letter_Maria says...

kansas778 (Anonymous) says…

Seriously, you are a slow learner…
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pot will do that to you. ;-)

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:44 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous royalpain says...

13 May 2008 at 11:32 a.m.

Suggest removal

Permalink
KSA_21_3503 (Anonymous) says…

“I had no idea there were so many traffic engineers posting on this board! There are several requirements that must be met in order for a traffic light to be installed. Trust me - the studies are done for each and every location that has a traffic light. If the requirements aren't met - the light won't be installed. It's that simple. Stick to posting about topics you are familiar with.”

Where do you think these requirements come from? Natural law? No, they are created by the city. The city has decided that it is more important to hinder traffic flow than help it. No one is arguing that the requirements aren't met for a traffic light. What we are arguing is that the policy behind these requirements is flawed and that this will only cause more congestion, pollution, wear on the roads, accidents, and travel time for motorists.

I don't think these requirements come from the city. I KNOW they come from the Federal Highway Admin. Don't blame city hall for this one.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:50 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous scott3460 says...

I am a Walmart hater, I'll admit that right up front, but, wow, what an ugly picture accompanying this story. Cars, pavement and bland, cookie cutter houses as far as the eye can see. Yuck, what an aweful sight that corner has become.! And the point of the story is that, yipee, we're about to pave over the remaining area so that the grey concrete blah is uniform. They should put this picture in a dictionary and use it to help demonstrate "ugly."

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:51 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

I did see the whole post - it changes nothing. Are you really trying to posit that your statement "you are just a brain-washed tool of the hateful left. Everyone shops at Wal-Mart except potheads like you" was *in jest* regarding ACG? Because you then returned to these sweeping generalizations with me, even though I hadn't at that point said anything to you...

"Pot will do that to you. ;-)"

So, kansas, I'll await your righteous indignation at maria's sweeping generalization.

BTW - drug free, chumps.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:52 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Ceallach says...

I have read many of your posts. Try to remember, sarcasm is a two way street. You know nothing about my tears and cannot rightly judge my sincerity. Whereas your words were unnecessarily cruel.

Posted 13 May 2008, 11:53 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Cat_N_Rat says...

oh good, another Mall Wart to boycott........

Posted 13 May 2008, 12:01 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Take_a_letter_Maria says...

What sweeping generalization?

What I stated is proven, scientific fact. Marijuana use creates placque in the blood vessels of the brain thus inhibiting the learning process.

Posted 13 May 2008, 12:08 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous beobachter says...

OK, does that explain W?

Posted 13 May 2008, 12:14 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous autie says...

All you folks worried about the demise of Dillon's, believe it. They will fold like a sock within 8 months of the new Wal Mart opening. In my town, the Wal Mart panacea wiped out two full size grocery stores and kmart fell flat on it's face. Left us a legacy of empty buildings and no competition. We be stuck. but on the hypocritical side..they are cheaper and have pretty decent produce..except no exotic mushrooms like the old dillons had.

Posted 13 May 2008, 12:31 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous jackbinkelman says...

West Lawrence, Enjoy those thousands of plastic white wal mart bags strewn throughout your neighborhoods!! Don't believe me? Drive over to the fields behind the south Lawrence location. Or any highway near a wal fart anywhere. Really very sad. I feel for the west-side rs against this hideous build.

Posted 13 May 2008, 12:32 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous autie says...

that being shiitake mushrooms. My misspelling cause an uproar briefly.

Posted 13 May 2008, 12:33 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Orwell says...

Wow! Cheap tube socks AND a traffic circle! My life has meaning again! Now we won't have long to wait for the payday loans shop and the tattoo parlor. You have no idea how long our neighborhood has suffered without them. Yippee!

Posted 13 May 2008, 12:39 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

duplenty (Anonymous) says…

I did see the whole post - it changes nothing. Are you really trying to posit that your statement “you are just a brain-washed tool of the hateful left. Everyone shops at Wal-Mart except potheads like you” was *in jest* regarding ACG? Because you then returned to these sweeping generalizations with me, even though I hadn't at that point said anything to you…
********************************
I'll break it down for you step-by-step.
1. ACG makes sweeping generalizations about Wal-Mart shoppers.
2. I make a retort about non-Wal-Mart shoppers returning the favor.
3. You question me and then make similar sweeping generalizations about Wal-Mart shoppers
4. I make a retort returning the favor.
5. You cry about it

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:01 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous geniusmannumber1 says...

Dillon's v. WalMart. Two of the biggest corporations on the planet duking it out, mano a mano. Who ya got?

I encourage everyone picking sides on this to take a good, long look in the mirror and ask themselves what poor decisions they've made in their lives and whether it's too late to start over.

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:04 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous gl0ck0wnr says...

I love the smell of unbridled, ugly Lawrence-style elitism in the morning.

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:12 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous blue73harley says...

"Now we won't have long to wait for the payday loans shop and the tattoo parlor. "

Hmmmm...let's see....exactly how many of these establishments are near the south Wal Mart? Nope, indeed there are none. However, if you care to look to our "diverse" downtown...

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:16 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous beatrice says...

After "right-thinker" was booted from LJWorld for his continued racist statements, why has he been allowed back on under the name "lucky-man?"

Why, LJWorld staff, have you allowed a known racist who has previously provided links to White Supremacist sites been allowed back on here to spit out his form of hatred? Why?

Oh, and Wal-Mart isn't good for America.

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:17 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

Duplenty, what I don't understand is what exactly you expected to see when you went to a Wal-Mart. Was everyone supposed to be wearing a suit and tie? You saw fat people there, well guess what, most Americans are overweight, so what did you expect? There probably is a lot of NASCAR fans there because...there are a lot of NASCAR fans in this country. What did you expect? High class folks wear a tee-shirt and jeans when they go to Wal-Mart too, but you think you can tell someone's socio-economic status just by looking at them? No, I think your prejudices have nothing to do with who you saw there at all.

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:21 p.m. Suggest removal

Gina Bailey-Carbaugh Gina says...

Another notch in Compton's belt. If you can't burn it down or chop it up, sue the city to get what you want.

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:39 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous blahblahblah says...

You can usually tell a person's socio-economic status by looking at them, focusing on hygiene, oral health, and hair style. Unless a person is a country singer, no one who earns over $20,000 a year would be caught dead in a mullet.

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:40 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous blue73harley says...

"no one who earns over $20,000 a year would be caught dead in a mullet."

Are high gas prices keeping you out of Missouri?

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:44 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous TheYetiSpeaks says...

Nothing brings out Lawrence hypocrisy and ignorance like a Wal-mart story. Egads!!

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:47 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

kansas778 (Anonymous) says…

"I've worked with many people who have the big holes in the ears or many piercings, and believe me, if your cook is one of these people, don't eat there. They don't care what others think of them, and they don't care if your burger falls on the floor either. And forget hand washing or gloves."

"The problem is, Bush haters like you are suckers for the blame Bush mantra, so you believe every juicy word of anti-Bush propaganda."

"We all know you leftwingers have jobs working part time at the Merc."

Yes, you are righteously opposed to sweeping generalizations.

Posted 13 May 2008, 1:50 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous cheeseburger says...

royal - when was the last time the city asked the question, 'what can we do to alleviate congestion and allow traffic to move more freely?' They haven't - too busy figuring out ways to slow and otherwise restrict the flow of traffic with humps, bumps, Dunfield islands, etc.

And buddha - I think you'll find that the MUTCD says you should not erect stoplights for the purpose of controlling speed - a chapter in the MUTCD book that the city apparently skipped over, given that this is one of their main goals.

Posted 13 May 2008, 2:38 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

Duplenty, what I don't understand is what exactly you expected to see when you went to a Wal-Mart. Was everyone supposed to be wearing a suit and tie? You saw fat people there, well guess what, most Americans are overweight, so what did you expect? There probably is a lot of NASCAR fans there because…there are a lot of NASCAR fans in this country. What did you expect? High class folks wear a tee-shirt and jeans when they go to Wal-Mart too, but you think you can tell someone's socio-economic status just by looking at them? No, I think your prejudices have nothing to do with who you saw there at all.

Posted 13 May 2008, 3:13 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous BuddhaDude says...

Well Cheesebuger, I don't think they should put stop-lights on Wakarusa at the Harvard and Inverness intersections to control speed. They should put them there to control the traffic thru the intersections. The 4-way stop signs at the intersections are not there to slow traffic on Wakarusa, but to allow passage across it. Unfortunately, these are multi-lanes streets and most people these days are either not courteous enough, too arrogant bother with or too ignorant to obeying the rules of right-of-way at a 4-way stop when faced with more than 3 other lanes of traffic.

My thing about the speed was that if people slowed to the posted limit, then Lawrence wouldn't need so many stupid circles and bumps to slow them down to the limit.

Posted 13 May 2008, 3:23 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous BuddhaDude says...

Funny thing seeing this picture and knowing the Lawrence culture (as I assume from reading these postings)... There is a McDonald's in the center of this picture and no one has decried the slaughter of millions of non-organic cows to feed America's obesity-creating fastfood culture.

And is that an SUV I see getting gas. The shame!

Posted 13 May 2008, 3:28 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Confrontation says...

Although Wal-Mart has been closing stores around the Nation, I can't wait to see this one open its doors. So many Lawrence people think they're too special to get a Wal-Mart on their side of town, and I don't want to disappoint them. Welcome, Wal-Mart #2!

Posted 13 May 2008, 3:30 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kansas778 says...

duplenty (Anonymous) says…

Um, no. I'd be glad to accompany you to the exisiting wal-mart so that we can take a quick gander at the genetic bouillibasse that is the wal-mart target demographic.

Lots and lots and lots of unfortunate NASCAR types in there, many of whom seem to be corpulently obese (must be those bulk items).
**************************************
Yes, you are righteously opposed to sweeping generalizations.

Posted 13 May 2008, 3:42 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Confrontation says...

acg isn't fooling anyone. I'm willing to bet that she actually works at Wal-Mat. She doesn't want you to shop there. That'd mean actually having to do some work. She has a $1 ice tea pitcher for anyone who might be interested. It's made of #7 plastic.

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:12 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous blakus says...

Keep post-preaching anonymously on the LJWolrd... we all know what good it does.

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:25 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Cat_N_Rat says...

oh and the infamous McDonald's, they have been boycotted by me for over 3 years now.

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:34 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous dirkleisure says...

On the question of traffic devices on Wakarusa between 6th and Bob Billings, I can understand conversation about a device at Harvard and Wakarusa, but the 4-way stop at Inverness and Wakarusa is a joke.

There is no way traffic on Inverness merits a traffic device to allow safe turning onto or crossing of Wakarusa. Probably there is some study to prove my common sense wrong, but I'm certainly entitled to that opinion.

In that esteemed opinion, the placement of a stop light or four way stop at an intersection encourages the use of those side streets as major thoroughfares. I'm fairly certain that isn't what residents on Inverness, or Congressional or George Williams Way for that matter, want for their neighborhood.

In that esteemed opinion, there is traffic calming and then there is traffic control. Throwing up stoplights is a piss poor method of traffic calming.

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:43 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous hawkperchedatriverfront says...

How can the taxes be only $275,000 on a 9.5 milliondollar building?

Posted 13 May 2008, 4:53 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous vpete69 says...

I cant wait to start buying ammunition from Wal-Mart for my concealed firearm that I carry everywhere but on campus (that will change soon). Their ammo is almost half the cost compared to others. And Wal-Mart has a corporate policy NOT to post signs restricting cch. i love walmart!

Posted 13 May 2008, 5:05 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Take_a_letter_Maria says...

Um, cool, I don't see where eve singled you out in her post, but you did pick that quote up from another poster in your 12:26 post where you praised the original thought. So while not directly attributable to you, you did agree with it (unless you want to drop the sarcasm card now.)

Posted 13 May 2008, 5:08 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous KSA_21_3503 says...

"I don't think these requirements come from the city. I KNOW they come from the Federal Highway Admin. Don't blame city hall for this one."

Interesting how you assert this as fact, yet provide no basis except your infallible intellect.

Let's try actual facts (Code of the City of Lawrence):

17-504 stop intersections.
Stop intersections shall be established by ordinance. A listing of stop intersections shall be maintained on the Schedule of Stop Intersections, a copy of which shall be on file and available for public viewing in the office of the City Engineer. (Ord. 7044)

17-505 all-way stop intersections.
All way stop intersections shall be established by ordinance. A listing of all way stop intersections shall be maintained on the Schedule of All Way Stop Intersections, a copy of which shall be on file and available for public viewing in the office of the City Engineer. (Ord. 7044)

1-107 ordinances.
The Governing Body shall have the care, management and control of the City and its finances and shall pass all ordinances needed for the welfare of the City. No ordinance shall be valid unless a majority of all the members elected to the Commission vote in favor. (K.S.A. 12-3002)

1-102 definitions. (f) Governing Body means the City Commission of Lawrence, Kansas.

----------

Clearly, given the explicit wording of the ordinances, the City Commission is actually the body in charge of making the determination of whether stop lights shall be placed at an intersection.

Next time, check your facts first.

Posted 13 May 2008, 5:17 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous KSA_21_3503 says...

From MUTCD:

Traffic control signals are often considered a panacea for all traffic problems at intersections. This belief has led to traffic control signals being installed at many locations where they are not needed, adversely affecting the safety and efficiency of vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic.

Traffic control signals, even when justified by traffic and roadway conditions, can be ill-designed, ineffectively placed, improperly operated, or poorly maintained. Improper or unjustified traffic control signals can result in one or more of the following disadvantages:

1. Excessive delay;
2. Excessive disobedience of the signal indications;
3. Increased use of less adequate routes as road users attempt to avoid the traffic control signals; and
4. Significant increases in the frequency of collisions (especially rear-end collisions).

Posted 13 May 2008, 5:32 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Sagecasey says...

This link defines Walmart pdg to me.

http://www.jibjab.com/originals/big_box_...

Posted 13 May 2008, 5:41 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous kujhawk says...

Will Wal-Mart fix the potholes on my street?

Posted 13 May 2008, 6:43 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Multidisciplinary says...

117 posts in a little over 12 hrs.

I just hope they don't cut down the big tree on the corner. Too many good things have been cut down or demolished on 6th st.
(thinks all the way back to the Dairy "King")

Posted 13 May 2008, 7:51 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Multidisciplinary says...

From someone who drives Wakarusa at all times of the day.

There are two things that happen on Wakarusa, and everyone's points are valid.

Many of us are used to driving carefree all the way down it, without any traffic. But now..

During the busy rush hours, the traffic is heavy. With no stop signs, the traffic is streaming...the parents taking kids to school couldn't get to or off of those streets. Most of the time, I notice these 4 ways flow like a charm, much better than any roundabout.

At other times, the road is nearly dead, and the stop signs seem silly. If there were traffic signals, we would sit there waiting for no other traffic to have their turn. That would be enraging.

I remember being at the intersection by Red Lobster over east there. There was so much traffic, it took 4 light cycles before we got to get through.
That is something to complain about.

I'm in no hurry for signals on Wakarusa.

As to another Walmart?
Walmart, and many other stores have gotten too big to walk through.
My mom's trip to Rusty's Hillcrest used to take about 45 minutes to feed 4 for a week, and that included loading into the car.
The stores are so large, it takes a very long time, and that's too long for feet, and dealing with children for that long.
If stores are going to be that big (and they get that much more money), customers should be offered a free drink, a snack and a place to sit down while an employee unloads the cart, checks, and bags, then takes them out to the car and loads them!!!!

Posted 13 May 2008, 8:13 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous packs_of_wild_dogzz says...

royalpain (Anonymous) says…

"I had no idea there were so many traffic engineers posting on this board!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HAHA!!! Didn't you know, the professionals come out of the woodwork for stories like these. Everybody knows somethin'.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:05 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous touringdriver says...

wal-mart sucks. regaurdless where it's built.

Posted 13 May 2008, 9:38 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous hawkperchedatriverfront says...

How does a 9.5 million dollar commercial building only pay $225,000 in taxes as someone posted?

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:19 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous Multidisciplinary says...

cool (Anonymous) says…

have not bought one thing at Wal Mart since 2003.
when i changed house locations i bought some large trash cans there and bathroom towels.

now five years later i need to get some new trash cans to put curbside - but the bath linens were shoddy and fell apart within six months.
------------
rent the big rolling bin from the city, it's so worth it.
It's easier to use, take to the curb. You don't have to chase the lid in the wind, and it takes a heck of a storm to blow one over.
My problem is I can't get other around here to put it up against the garage wall, front first. Meaning the wheels are at the back. They think the lid tab should be closest to the user..(99.99% me).
But they aren't around when it's time to take the heavy loaded thing out.

If the wheels are against the wall, that means I have to lift and scoot the thing out and turn it, pulling on the sometimes icky metal bar the truck uses to lift it.. then the handle is out.

If they handle is out in the first place, sure, I do a small reach to open it, but I can just tilt it right back and roll away.

Posted 13 May 2008, 10:34 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous lounger says...

Lets just put up wal-marts all over town. On every corner. horrible thing thats happening here. Another wally world for all the lazy, consumer brainwashed peeps to go to. Great for the local community isnt it--Ummm not at all! Another mistake from the new commission!

Posted 14 May 2008, 12:29 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous gr says...

"Lets just put up wal-marts all over town. "

And what would you prefer instead?

"consumer brainwashed peeps to go to."

And all these brainwashed, cost conscience customers would go to the alternatives or would they travel to places that have Wal-Marts?

Posted 14 May 2008, 7:12 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous cheeseburger says...

KSA-
Your 5:32 post from yesterday is right on. This is the 'chapter' in the MUTCD book I referred to yesterday that I think city staffers apparently skipped over. Lawrence could be used as a case study for this particular 'chapter', as city staffers clearly see stoplights as a cure-all remedy, when in fact they often create more problems than they solve.

Posted 14 May 2008, 8:29 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous max1 says...

This walmart is needed by many west 6th street slumdwellers, and who cares if traffic bottles up on the Topeka-Lawrence corridor.

Posted 14 May 2008, 9:29 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous BalkansHawk says...

tourningdriver - I'm with you, Walmart sucks.

Posted 14 May 2008, 11:21 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous BalkansHawk says...

touringdriver - My bad. I am used to typing tournament a lot. Hope you can forgive me.

Posted 14 May 2008, 11:41 a.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous bangaranggerg says...

I strongly oppose a "traffic calming device" there. I live about a block from 6th and congressional and take that road to start my commute to work every day. I wasn't upset about this project until right now. This sucks. So angry to find out about this.

Posted 15 May 2008, 10:36 p.m. Suggest removal

Anonymous duplenty says...

"Again, you are just a tool. You've never been to a NASCAR race if you think there is a “type” of person that enjoys that sport."

"NASCAR's Diversity Dearth May Be Sponsor-Driven "

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/art...

"nascar Seeks to Attract African Americans to Sport"

"Annual attendance at NASCAR races is nearing 7 million, and a single race can easily draw well over 100,000 spectators. But the sea of faces in the stands is predominantly white. "

http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2...

Posted 16 May 2008, 10:59 a.m. Suggest removal

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