McCandless town council gives Walmart green light

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McCANDLESS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Walmart store is coming to the North Hills. At least that's what the McCandless Town Council agreed on late Monday night.

Council voted four to three in favor of building a store on Blazier Drive near McKnight Road in McCandless Township.

The vote happened in front of a large crowd, mostly in opposition of the store. Before the vote, many McCandless residents voiced their concerns.

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Residents said they are upset that they only learned about the proposal within the past few weeks and want the opportunity to review the data provided by Walmart on how it will affect traffic.

The company plans on building the store in a shopping center just off of McKnight Road.

One councilman who voted yes said the vote does not mean the store is a done deal.

"Even though they've been given permission, it doesn't mean absolutely that they're going to build on that property anyway. They could, for some reason, back out of it as I understand it," said Councilman Ralph Ledonne.

Channel 11 News has learned that some residents have hired an attorney and plan on taking the matter to court.

While some residents are in opposition, Channel 11's Timyka Artist spoke with shoppers in the McCandless area who welcome the supercenter.

"I'm excited that it's coming.  It will be convenient.  It will do an awesome business," said shopper Susan Fedorchak.

"There's congestion everywhere.  There's all that property's sitting there, and it's not being used.  Why not use it?" said shopper Mary Nowaczwnski.

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