Impact study set for Bath Wal-Mart
BY MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - The proposed Wal- Mart supercenter in the town of Bath will undergo an environmental review, including studies on water and air, traffic patterns and aesthetics.

Bath Town Planning Board members met Tuesday night, August 7, to accept responsibility for overseeing the review, and unanimously agreed to launch an environmental impact study on the project.

The study of the 19.4-acre project located on State Route 54 is required by the board due to potential negative effects identified by project consultant Ann Clarke, of Fagan Consultants.

After the study identifies specific issues, Wal-Mart will then have a chance to offer ways to reduce problems.

One problem Clarke identified was the controversy stirred by Wal-Mart's announcement three months ago that it intended to build a retail store on property now occupied by Owl Homes, a mobile home dealer.

The proposal resulted in highly organized action against and for the national retail chain.

Nearly 300 supporters and opponents of the project crowded the Haverling High School cafeteria Tuesday, but largely confined themselves to waving signs and wearing pins.

Although board Chairman James Emo has allowed the optional public comment period during other meetings, he adjourned Tuesday's meeting with out asking for public input.

Public comment from previous meetings was included in the initial review, Clarke said.

Clarke said an economic impact study will not be included in the study, because it would be illegal.

But the study can include a review of the project's fiscal impact on the surrounding area, she said. The review would include the project's impact on property, school and sales taxes, possible growth and losses in jobs, and what the project could mean to future business development.

At Emo's request, the study will also include the effect the store may have on local utilities.

Consultants now will draw up a draft scoping document for review by the planning board at 7 p.m. August 23 in the Civil Defense Building. Copies of the document will be sent to board members and be available for public review at the Bath Town Clerk's Office beginning Friday, August 10, Clarke said.