Liberty embraces Wal-Mart plan

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The large retail store is in for a cozy welcome.

LIBERTY — Barbara Pringle of Liberty Township shops at the Liberty Plaza on a regular basis. With the coming of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter, she’s anticipating being there even more.

The construction of a new Wal-Mart store can lead to apprehension, and sometimes opposition from those living nearby and concerned about noise and congestion. The retailer’s efforts to seek a zoning change and locate in Canfield Township are a recent example. Residents, at informational meetings there, have shown strong disapproval for a store opening.

But the soon-to-be store in Liberty has evoked a different emotion.

Pringle has four kids living at home and said it’s often too difficult to take the children to areas with more available shopping. She said even leaving the kids at home and venturing out alone to shop still leaves the problem of traveling.

“I am just happy that I won’t have to travel to Austintown or Niles anymore,” she said. “I think the store will bring some good to the town.”

Wal-Mart is tearing down a major section of the Liberty Plaza off Belmont Avenue and plans to begin erecting the supercenter sometime late this month. The new store is slated to open at the end of the year or in early 2009. The plaza had been home to a Hills Department Store, Phar-Mor discount drug store and an Ames Department Store over the years — all gone.

Traffic, noise and congestion have been cited in other places as major concerns of those opposed to a new Wal-Mart, but Liberty residents such as Pringle and those who shop here don’t seem to have those concerns.

“I would rather fight the traffic in my own town than fight the traffic somewhere else to shop,” said Pringle. “No matter what you are going to have the traffic.”

Sarah Wahed, who lives and works in the township, says traffic from the new store will not bother her at all. She said she thinks the area will see a greater benefit from having the store than any issues concerning traffic.

“We have always had traffic out here, this will make no difference,” she said. “This area needs this. We could use the business coming in and the jobs. This is my community and I am excited about this.”

Township Trustee Jodi Stoyak said it’s not surprising that residents here are more welcoming to Wal-Mart. She said a major area of concern for many residents is the parcels now empty in Liberty Plaza. Most, she said, are happy to see Wal-Mart demolish these and place a viable business where they once stood. Stoyak said she has received no complaints about the store coming to the township.

Township Administrator Pat Ungaro said the ability to shop for a broader range of items without leaving the township is something else most people are considering. He said the elderly will see a huge benefit from having the large retail store so close to home.

“I think this is going to be great for people who can’t travel very far, especially the elderly. Those people can do more shopping closer to home,” he said.

Ungaro also sees a bigger picture. He said the incoming Wal-Mart will do what every township politician, employee and property owner can appreciate — increase property values.

“As Belmont goes so is the reflection in the value of property in the neighborhoods,” he said. “If Belmont is all blight, that will reflect in property values. This will help to raise those property values. This is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Ungaro also said the store will create more business along the Belmont Avenue strip. He said there are several potential projects in the works, but would not give details on what or where those potential stores will be.

Residents such as Lee Franklin understand Ungaro’s enthusiasm about the large retail store. He said the Wal-Mart will be a good thing even if only to fill vacancies that have been a part of the Liberty Plaza for several years.

“I think it’s great because there is nothing else here. This will at least bring business back to the area,” said Franklin. “I don’t see a downside. The only small downside is traffic and that is minor.”

Even residents from surrounding communities are anxious to see the ground being cleared for a major retail store. Anna Dennison, who lives in Girard, shops in Liberty regularly, but said she is tired of traveling to Niles or Boardman to find certain items.

“I have waited a long time for Wal-Mart. I thought we would have had it long before this. It has taken too long, but I am glad it’s coming,” she said.

Darlene Crenshaw lives on the North Side of Youngstown, but travels to the township twice a week to shop. She said the coming Wal-Mart will be added to her list of stores in which to stop.

“I will be glad when it comes. I love to shop at Wal-Mart. Every week me and my mom are out here shopping. I can’t wait,” she said.

jgoodwin@vindy.com