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Wal-Mart in Riverside County: Voters approve the controversial store
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A woman shops in the pharmacy area of a Wal-Mart store.
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Voters in the city of Menifee cleared the way on Tuesday for the construction of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter. The project will rise along one of the busiest thoroughfares in southwest Riverside County. Wal-Mart hopes to open its new superstore in about two years.
Critics of the 205,000-square-foot store say it’ll create a traffic nightmare in an already busy intersection near Interstate 215. They also say it’ll siphon customers from existing local businesses. But about 80 percent of Menifee voters approved the 24-hour Supercenter project.
Supporters hope the big-box giant comes through with low, low prices, good jobs and a boost for the lackluster regional economy.
Walmart officials have promised to invest in a multimillion dollar road upgrade that may help alleviate traffic congestion.
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