Appearing at a joint meeting of the Town's Conservation Committee, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals, representatives of Walmart explained that they could not hope to expand their location and operations on Cranberry Highway in East Wareham because a restriction on the property prevents the sale of groceries, food and other items.

Although Walmart owns the store location, it is surrounded by two parcels owned by Darman-Tedeschi Trust, and is a party to easements, that prevents "selling fresh meat, fresh fish, produce," or operate as a bakery, deli, or  supermarket,

"It's obviously problematic for us to remain in our current location because we would be unable to adequately serve our customers who want full-line grocery offerings," said Walmart Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Governmental Christopher Buchanan.  "Our current store location is a good one, however, it simply prevents us from offering our customers the full assortment they want."

The restriction is valid until 2090 according to the terms of the lease, and with Stop and Shop as a the major tenant in the plaza, the likelihood of any resolution is small.

Buchanan indicated that he was aware of the public's concerns about what would happen to the East Wareham location once the new store at the corner of Tobey Road and Route 28 in West Wareham opens.

"We know many are wondering what would happen to our current store if Walmart does relocate," Buchanan said.   "Our company has a specific re-tenant division that works very closely with Town officials to find occupants for existing Walmart stores that will be relocated to a different site. The Town and community input are very important to us during this process."

At the meeting, the planning board suggested that members of the public put their concerns and comments in writing so that they were entered as part of the official record.

"There were a number of public in attendance [at the meeting] but while it was a public meeting, was not a public hearing," explained Planning Board Chair George Barrett.  "We asked if concerns, they put it in writing and submit beforehand, so that questions could be answered."