Orange County Faces Wal-Mart Catch-22

RALEIGH — Chapel Hill and Carrboro officials are concerned about the effects a possible new Wal-Mart store might have on their communities and are seeking a thorough review before planning approval is granted. The store, however, would not be built in Orange County, where the two towns are situated, but rather in neighboring Chatham County. Existing zoning regulations largely prohibit “big box” retailers within Orange County. As a result, a high percentage of county residents go elsewhere to shop.