By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - The announcement that a Wal-Mart Supercenter is coming to this Butler County community has reignited debates over suburban sprawl.

Some question why West Chester Township hasn't taken steps to curtail big-box retailers.

They also worry the current Wal-Mart, located off Tylersville Road near Interstate 75, which will close, will become an empty eyesore.

"Wal-Mart will be leaving a white elephant for the community," said Glen Brand, Midwest regional spokesman for the Sierra Club.

Wal-Mart was the first retail behemoth to emerge along Tylersville but has been joined in recent years by Meijer, Odd Lots and Home Depot. Another big box retailer, Target, is expected to open in July at Tylersville and Cox roads.

Township officials, however, are enthused by the prospect of a supercenter, particularly where it is proposed, on 75 acres at Interstate 75 and Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

West Chester Trustee Jose Alvarez said he hopes Wal-Mart constructs a better-looking supercenter than its existing store.

"Certainly we would like something better than a big gray box," he said.

Wal-Mart spokesman John Bisio said Thursday that the company hopes to sign a contract soon with the developers and open the supercenter in 2005.

"It certainly would be our hope to be able to enhance our presence in West Chester," Bisio saidThe Tylersville Wal-Mart store will not shut down until the superstore opens, Bisio stressed. Other businesses already have shown interest in locating there, he said.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.