Invoking eminent domain simply to keep a lawful property owner from putting a lawful business on its property really is unprecedented. This is an abuse of the right of eminent domain. Cities can now buy the land of any company - or person - they don't like? Btw, what if Wal-mart buys some other property in the town - and some other, and some other. Is the town going to buy up all this property for vague "redevelopment" plans? I'm sure Wal-Mart could win that sort of competition - but easier to just put a store right over the city line and let the shoppers vote with their feet.
This was a "nice deal" for Walmart, nice as eminent domain goes. Hercules paid a pretty penny when they could have lowballed and stalled.
If it's facade that Hercules wanted, however, I'm curious why Walmart couldn't have customized theirs to the city's wishes. Even tourists would appreciate finding something familiar.
I bet Walmart bought the land (or an option) for a low price, and then got reimbursed after the eminent domain fiasco at a higher price.
The city tax payers get shafted by the elitists. Again!