Walmart Scraps Seekonk Supercenter Plans

As is frequently the case throughout the country, Walmart's proposal to build a supercenter store in Seekonk had its supporters and opponents, and the subject often led to some intense community debate. The two sides can call a truce because the company has taken the project off the table.

"We have made a business decision not to move ahead with a new supercenter in Seekonk," wrote Walmart spokesman William C. Wertz in an email to Seekonk Patch. "Our existing store will continue to serve the community. We don’t have any future plans to announce at this time, but we remain interested in growth, and we're always evaluating opportunities to serve more customers and give Massachusetts residents new options for jobs and affordable food."

The store was proposed for the current location of Fantasyland on Route 6, not far from the existing Walmart. In response to environmental and other concerns, project plans were changed at least twice as they were presented to various town boards.

Town Administrator Pam Nolan, who said she was disappointed by the news, confirmed Walmart's decision at the Wednesday selectmen meeting after Selectman Dave Parker asked her about it. Nolan also said Olive Garden had backed out of a plan to open a restaurant in Seekonk.