How many Wal-Marts does Florence need?

We've had a number of interesting reader comments about Wal-Mart's plans to build a second Supercenter in Florence. This one would be near Weaver Road and Route 42, less than 2 1/2 miles from the new mega-store the company opened on Houston Road a year ago.

The comments show the type of concerns usually seen when such plans are launched, particularly regarding increased traffic and congestion in an already-congested area. And there is no doubt that congestion concerns are valid with this site.

Anytime Wal-Mart is involved, reaction takes on another edge. The mammoth company has become a lightning rod for a number of issues, including the way it treats its workers to just a general unease that the company's appetites are insatiable. Wal-Mart often fights this perception when expansions are announced, and it appears that will be the case here.

On top of all that, this land must be re-zoned from an industrial usage to accommodate the new store, and Florence is being asked to annex the parcel.

The Florence City Council will have its hands full with this one. And the voices of all concerned need to be heard as this unfolds -- before the votes are counted.