Wal-Mart fights to build store in Gresham

11:07 AM PDT on Wednesday, August 31, 2005
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Associated Press

GRESHAM -- Wal-Mart Inc. has appealed a city decision to deny an application to build a new store at a busy intersection in this Portland suburb.

"It's about traffic. While a number of concerns about the development were raised, the issue of traffic could not be resolved," said Ed Gallagher, the city's community development director.

The Arkansas-based retail giant filed an appeal with the city on Tuesday. A hearings officer will rule on the application.

If the permit is rejected again, Wal-Mart can then appeal to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.

City officials said they are confident the ruling will be upheld