Bath Wal-Mart plans in beginning stages
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - Bath town officials say the proposed construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter on State Route 54 is in the beginning stages with reviews, environment studies and public hearings yet to come.

The announcement Tuesday afternoon by the Arkansas-based retail chain apparently caught town officials somewhat off guard.

"I heard a little bit Monday. They announced it Tuesday. I heard it on the news last night and this morning the site plan was on my desk," said town Code Enforcement Officer Al Buckland.

Buckland said the proposal will be presented to the town planning board when it meets May 1.

So far, plans by the retail giant include a 150,000-square foot store located at 7305 State Route 54. Wal-Mart Supercenters combine retail merchandise and groceries, plus others services such as fast food, opticians and vehicle repairs.

According to the town assessor's office, the 21.5 acre-property is assessed at $70,600 and owned by state Supreme Court Justice Henry J. Scudder of Bath.

Mobile home dealer Owl Homes has been located on a portion of the property for more than 20 years.

Owl Homes officials said the dealership would relocate to another site in the area if necessary.

Rumors about a Wal-Mart store locating in the town have circulated for years. In 1993, an out-of-state developer reportedly signed an option to buy the land from Scudder for a Wal-Mart outlet.

While the deal fell through, about six years ago rumors resurfaced about the store opening in Bath, Buckland said.

The town of Bath has no zoning requirements, but Wal-Mart will have to follow basic state regulations, apply to town boards for reviews, file permits and undergo an environmental study, Buckland said.

The store will have access to water and sewer services from a nearby industrial park, he said.

There will also be opportunities for public hearings on the project, according to Tuesday's press release from Philip Serghini, Wal-Mart senior manager. Serghini did not return phone calls by The Leader Wednesday.

The chain typically draws sharp criticism from opponents, ranging from unfairly undercutting competitors, ousting smaller local stores, aesthetics and questionable labor relations.

But the potential for growth in the area is positive, said Bath Village Mayor David Wallace.

"I think it's going to be beneficial everybody in the community," Wallace said. "It will give consumers some choice."

Wallace said sales tax revenues at the new store will benefit Steuben County, the town, village, school board and other municipalities. Unlike the cities of Hornell and Corning, the town of Bath does not keep a set portion of sales tax generated within its borders.

"I'm quite optimistic about this," Wallace said. "We're just not in the position of saying 'no, no, no' to every new idea that comes around." 'I think it's going

to be beneficial

everybody in the community. It will give consumers some choice.'

- Dave Wallace Bath village mayor