The city, the developers and the companies are all saying the same thing when it comes to the planned Home Depot and Wal-Mart Supercenter: Nothing has changed because of the Farmland fire, and all indications are that both will be built.

Friday, August 17, 2001

The city, the developers and the companies are all saying the same thing when it comes to the planned Home Depot and Wal-Mart Supercenter: Nothing has changed because of the Farmland fire, and all indications are that both will be built. The main hangup, in fact, is Wal-Mart’s impasse with the city over who pays for infrastructure on the site.

In theory, this should quell rampant rumors that one or both of the retailers were not going to build here. Many have been saying the Farmland situation is to blame.

The reassurances about the new stores are one indication that it’s not time to panic about the future of Albert Lea.

While some believe the loss of such a large employer is bound to be devastating, others, including City Manager Paul Sparks, have been saying all along that while the situation is serious, it is something that can be overcome. Plus, it is still possible that Farmland will rebuild here; local officials are preparing to begin talks with Farmland representatives to see what can be done to make it happen.

The notion that companies were prepared to give up on Albert Lea was a depressing thought that cast doubt on where the city was going. Knowing that the plans haven’t changed should be a confidence booster for the local economy.