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Economy

RI Mayor Pauley Reacts to Wal-Mart Announcement

WVIK Staff
Vacant Watch Tower Plaza site

After four years and $15 million, plans to bring a Wal-Mart store to Rock Island have been canceled. Yesterday, the company announced it will not "pursue development of a new store" at the Watch Tower Plaza site on 11th Street.

After years of clearing the site and relocating businesses, Rock Island Mayor Dennis Pauley says he was surprised and disappointed to receive yesterday's news. 
Before the announcement, Pauley says plans were moving forward, and the city was waiting on final approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation. 


But last month, Wal-Mart asked for a 30-day extension to reevaluate the site. 

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He says representatives came into his office yesterday and said the site did not fit Wal-Mart's vision.

Efforts to bring Wal-Mart to Rock Island began in 2012. The city hoped to bring in millions of dollars in sales tax revenue and about 300 jobs.