By Jon Gambrell
Enquirer contributor

LEBANON - Calling it part of the city's long-term plan, City Council moved forward on creating a shopping center that might include a Wal-Mart Supercenter, angering some Turtlecreek Township citizens.

The planned shopping center, which would be at the east end of Lebanon near U.S. 42 and Bypass Ohio 48, would encompass nearly 58 acres of former farmland.

According to Douglas Johnson, deputy director of planning and development for the city, Wal-Mart has expressed interest in building a large retail and grocery store combination at the site, with four additional lots for other businesses.

But the planned development already faces local criticism, as have planned Supercenters in Milford and Deerfield Township.

Resident Brent Devery worries that the traffic congestion from the possible Supercenter would make it "just as bad as Fields Ertel Road" in Symmes Township, and undermine Lebanon's traditional quaintness.

"Lebanon will have nothing," he predicted. "Lebanon has always had small shops. We'll become a retail mecca."

For Devery, who moved to the township to be away from the congestion, his home is slowly "being encroached by the glow of the city lights."

"We already have a Wal-Mart south of town," he said. "It is very adequate for the town in my opinion."

If Wal-Mart builds in the new lot, the old complex would be shut and later sold by the corporation.

But Lebanon, with its Big Bear supermarket and Kmart closing, might not face a series of empty storefronts. Johnson said developers already have prospective tenants.

In other action:

• Council agreed 7-0 to a two-year extension for the Cincinnati Railway Co. to bring passenger trains into Lebanon. The city will charge the company $4,500 a year for use of the railroad, with the contract expiring in two years.

• The city will give $40,000 to various non profit organizations, up $10,000 from last year.

• Trash collection and cemetery fees are set to rise, with council slated to discuss and vote on the issue at the next meeting.

E-mail jgambrell@fuse.net