A couple who lives in the Autumn Crest Neighborhood fears increased traffic congestion and potential dangers to children walking to school.
ANKENY, Iowa — Some North Ankeny residents aren’t happy after learning Walmart is considering building its second Ankeny location in their backyard.
So far, a petition against the proposed development has received over 1,200 signatures.
Mark Havemann and his wife Wendy have lived in the Autumn Crest Neighborhood for almost a decade.
“You're going to take away a lot of the peace and quiet that's in the neighborhood,” Mark said.
The proposed site of Ankeny’s second Walmart, near the intersection of 36th and North Ankeny Blvd., lies three blocks from the Havemanns' townhome.
Before plans to rezone the property to commercial can move forward, the City of Ankeny instructed the property owners to conduct a traffic impact study.
Ankeny spokesperson Amy Baker sent Local 5 the following statement on the next steps:
“If and when the request moves forward, there will be a public hearing at a future Plan and Zoning Commission Meeting and at a City Council Meeting. The property must be rezoned before any commercial development can move forward.”
Neighbors are concerned about increased traffic congestion on residential and neighboring streets.
“On our street, for example, there's only one way in and one way out,” Wendy said. “If people start passing through here all the time, it's going to be a real mess.”
There is also a worry how traffic may impact the children who walk to nearby elementary schools.
“One of my biggest concerns is the safety of the children in the area,” Wendy said. “Because of the two elementary schools, it's obvious that there are a lot of small children.”
Walmart told Local 5 it has not filed any paperwork with the city, but did hold a town hall on April 15 to speak with neighbors about the proposed development.
In response to concerns, the company sent the following statement:
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to meet with neighbors – we learned a lot and are taking their feedback into consideration.”
The Havemanns hope Walmart considers looking elsewhere for its second Ankeny store.
“Putting it in the middle of a residential area where people have lived 5-10 years just doesn't make sense, especially when there's land out by the Costco to the east,” Mark said.
Mark and Wendy plan to attend upcoming city council and plan and zoning commission meetings that include discussions on the proposed Walmart development.