News 12 at First at Five / Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- News 12 first told you about a plan to bring a Walmart to downtown Augusta. We now have your first look at what is being called the Neighborhood Market by Walmart.

"Walmart represents exactly the opposite of local," said David Hutchison, president of the Downtown Business Alliance. "We're not eager to see another Walmart downtown. I don't even think we're eager to see another Walmart in Richmond County."

Hutchison owns a local bookstore. He fears this story will not have a happy ending.

"For small businesses," he said, "the more Walmarts there are ... the less of us there are. It's the bottom line."

Commissioner Jerry Brigham described the situation as "an opportunity that has come our way."

"We've been looking for some kind of way to improve the ability to buy groceries in downtown Augusta for a number of years," he said.

City leaders confirm the Walmart deal could mean at least $400,000 for the city. That money would be generated by selling the old bus barn off 15th Street.

"I think there are much more dollars to be gained in sales tax and building and people shopping," Brigham said.

Hutchison admits the city and shoppers could be in for a real bargain.

"I probably can't compete with Walmart on price," Hutchison said. "They can negotiate deals that I can never have the resources to negotiate."

But Hutchison feels the city will pay a greater price.

"To have an actual relationship with the company, you do business with," Hutchison said. "You're getting a discount today, but you are selling yourself short tomorrow."

The city administrator signed off on the plan this week. Commissioners say it could take about six months to a year to see movement on the store.