Neighbors showed up in huge numbers and that alone spoke louder than any words during Thursday meeting.
Walmart hosted the meeting to hear people's concerns but I don't think they were quite prepared for the turnout.
Don't tell the fire Marshall, but Callaways was jam packed as residents united to speak out against a potential Walmart coming to their neighborhood.
Representatives for the store unveiled their plan to build on Sioux Falls' Southside. But it's a plan that took many people by surprise.
"We didn't think we'd have to deal with a store like Walmart. I have nothing against Walmart I just don't think it's the right place for a Walmart to be that close to a school." Said Jay Wodstra.
Residents are outraged by the thought of alcohol being sold so close to a school, not to mention the crime that could spring up. Everyone here will also agree that these streets cannot handle anymore traffic.
"I think about the safety of our kids, we have high school drivers now we're going to add trucks into the mix and it's already congested." Said Wodstra.
"Imagine a Saturday afternoon, the school has an activity, USF has a football game and then you have Walmart! it's going to be chaotic!" Said Beth Reitzel.
Questions and concerns ranged from flooding to property values, then lighting to aesthetics.
But the points raised from the gathered crowd seemed to go unanswered from the Walmart representatives.
"I think they're trying to tell people what they want to hear and I don't think they were prepared for the number of people who showed up." Said Deb Metzger.
"I think they really passed the buck in many cases instead of really answering questions." Said Reitzel.
Hand after hand was raised to voice a specific concern but the overall message of this crowd was made rather clear, not in our backyards.
"It's going to be a disaster for the neighborhood if this happens." Said Reitzel.
The next step in the process is a hearing with the city for re-zoning. That is scheduled for March 7th.
Many people hope their unanswered concerns will be answered then. And judging by Thursday's turnout, the city may need to find a venue large enough to hold these concerned citizens.
