By Michelle West

Austin City Council reached an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Wednesday, Dec. 13 to halt the development of a controversial North Austin Wal-Mart Supercenter.

The retailer has agreed to stall further activity in adding a retail location to the Northcross Mall on West Anderson Lane for 60 days in order to further gather resident input on the project, said company attorney Richard Suttle in a letter to councilman Mike Martinez.

Residents living in the area around the mall have mobilized in recent weeks, appealing to City Council to prevent the retailer from moving into the neighborhood, citing traffic and crime concerns, among other reasons. Responsible Growth for Northcross, an organization of more than 100 residents, has spearheaded efforts against the Wal-Mart, demanding that the mall owners consider another tenant.

Suttle could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

"We basically consider the letter that we know about right now from Wal-Mart representatives to be a complete mockery of our requests," said the neighborhood organization's president, Paige Hill.

On Monday, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. spokesman Keith Morris told the Texan that the company has met with various members of neighborhood associations to discuss their concerns, including the possible crime and traffic impact that could result from the retailer's presence.

Mall owner Lincoln Property Company has not met with Responsible Growth, which plans to demonstrate against the Wal-Mart at the Thursday, Dec. 14 City Council meeting, Hill said.

In the letter to Martinez, Suttle states that the agreement in no way indicates that the mall owner or retail company is obligated to change its development plans.

Phone calls made to Lincoln Property Company were not returned in the days preceding or directly after the agreement.

The Daily Texan