Chicago Business Journal – A coalition of Chicago ministers is readying a campaign for more Wal-Mart stores in Chicago — and preparing another against aldermen who stand in the way.

The alliance of just over 200 ministers, representing more than 100,000 congregants, will first demand that Mayor Richard M. Daley grant administrative approval to begin construction of a Wal-Mart at the Chatham Market shopping center, saving that project from falling into foreclosure. The group also will pressure aldermen to approve that store and others in retail-starved neighborhoods such as Englewood and Pullman.

If, as appears likely, more Wal-Marts don’t get the green light this year, the ministers say they’ll mount a campaign against aldermen who oppose the big retailer’s expansion. Taking a page from union groups that have held Wal-Mart back, the ministers say they will support candidates in favor of the store with political advertising and urge their congregants to vote against dissenters.

Chicago Sun-Times – Far South Side Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) said Wednesday he has the votes to break the stalemate that has prevented Wal-Mart from building as many as five Chicago Supercenters.

Instead of forcing the issue on a proposed Chatham Wal-Mart at 83rd and Stewart — now bottled up in the City Council’s Finance Committee — Beale wants aldermen to vote first on Pullman Park.

The massive mixed-use project on the former Ryerson Steel property between 103rd and 111th along the Bishop Ford Freeway would be anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercenter that sells groceries desperately needed in the heart of a “food desert.”

The 270-acre project also includes 1,200 homes, a hotel tower, community recreation center, park and senior apartments.

Chicago Sun-Times – Mayor Richard M. Daley Saturday again stressed the importance of a Wal-Mart in the Chatham neighborhood, but would not say he would grant administrative approval for the retailer.

Hal Dardick, Chicago Tribune

Chicago should open its arms to Wal-Mart just as the suburbs do, Mayor Richard Daley said today.

“These questions are not debated in the suburban area,” he said. “They are never even talked about.”

Continue Reading

by Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune

In most places, the arrival of a new Wal-Mart is occasion for happiness or even excitement. When one opened in Provo, Utah, last year, the local paper reported, “It was a time of celebration in Cedar Hills early Wednesday morning. The newest Wal-Mart Supercenter opened its doors there on the corner of 4800 West and Cedar Hills Drive at 8 a.m., to a very eager crowd.” But the Chicago City Council would sooner welcome a cholera epidemic.

Continue Reading

Chit-Chat & All That – On Monday, January 11, City Council will make a decision about Wal-Mart coming to Chicago.  The  world’s largest retailer is trying to open a new store in Chatham.  Alderman Howard  Brookins, has championed the cause.  But powers larger than he are blocking.  Wal-Mart wants to open a total of five new stores on Chicago’s  South Side in the 9th, 12th, 20th and 34th wards.  The stores would be a welcomed  assest in these communities.  The Super Wal-Marts would serve the food desert communities with wholesome food at affordable pricing.