Austin Weekly News: Austin Wal-Mart celebrates first year of success

I don't know if its success met expectations but it has to be better than an empty lot.

AWN on the one year anniversary of Austin's Walmart.

Camille Lilly, executive director of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, also applauded Wal-Mart's efforts to support local business.

Lilly said the Austin store has generated tax revenue of more than $5 million and sales revenue of more than $1.3 million in its first year.

"A year ago we cut the ribbon, opened the door, and each and every one of you were a part of an awesome vision for our community," Lilly said. "Not only did it create partnerships, it created jobs, it created opportunity for economic growth, it created more business, [and] it created revenue.

Now, what's wrong with a casino over that at the old Brach's site?

Why is that old Brach site left unguarded? Who is removing all the bricks and items from the Brach site every day? What plans are in the works for that site, seeing that the newest building was destroyed? When will the community learn of the plans for the site? Will we learn via TV or will Ald. Ed Smith (28th Ward) as well as state Rep. LaShawn Ford, state Sen. Earlene Collins and Cong. Danny K. Davis tell us in advance?

Also, who owns the site?