Walmart Supercenter Planned For New Orleans East

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans City Council has approved plans for a Walmart Supercenter in eastern New Orleans, clearing the way for the return of the retail giant to that part of the city after an absence of several years.

The Time-Picayune reports the store is planned for the former Lakeland Medical Center site at the southwest corner of Interstate 10 and Bullard Ave.

James Percy, an attorney for Walmart, told the council Thursday the store will create 300 to 350 permanent jobs.

The Walmart on Bundy Road failed to reopen after being damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The store could open by late 2013.