Sugar House residents are dealing in different ways with the reality that Wal-Mart is moving into their neighborhood. About 150 people joined Salt Lake City Councilmen Soren Simonsen and JT Martin on Tuesday night at Dilworth Elementary to weigh in on Wal-Mart’s plans for a supercenter at 2075 E. Parleys Way.

The hourlong discussion revealed that many residents are dreading the arrival of their future neighbor, fearing that the big-box store will harm local businesses, increase traffic and worsen air quality.

Others are resigned to the fact that Wal-Mart is coming to town, and they’re trying to make the best of it.

And some can’t wait for the supercenter to open its doors, bringing its bargains and shopping convenience closer to their homes.

“There are more than two sides to this,” Simonsen said.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants to demolish a 113,000-square-foot Kmart building and build a superstore roughly the same size on the 10.4-acre parcel.

To do that, the retail giant needs Salt Lake City to amend its master plan and alter zoning in the area – actions that would require approval from the Planning Commission and the council.

Several residents who spoke out during the public meeting opposed a zoning change, saying the city shouldn’t cater to big developers at the expense of those in the community.

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