A retail giant is getting a lot of pushback from an East Bay community.
For years, IKEA has been trying to break ground in Dublin.
Many residents are saying no way because the city won’t be able to handle it.
On Tuesday night, the city council held an hour-long meeting.
The community was expecting a vote, yet everyone left with no resolution.
And on Wednesday, there seems to be some sort of deadlock. Many people who grew up and still live in Dublin say they absolutely do not want the headache and stress that comes with having an IKEA around.
At the same time, IKEA is pushing back at the city council, saying if the project isn’t approved, there could be a lawsuit.
This is quite the dilemma– a 317,000 square-foot IKEA retail store may be built there one day. But for now, the fight for what will happen to the lot off Hacienda and the I-580 freeway rages on.
Many that oppose the project say rush hour traffic is already a nightmare in the area and would only worsen with an IKEA in place.
hey also believe the city isn’t equipped to deal with emergencies that may occur from such a large retailer.
During Tuesday night’s 5-hour long meeting, the city council listened to public comment but did not vote on approving the construction.
After word of IKEA’s letter came to light, the retail giant said:
IKEA has made a significant investment in this property and in Dublin. It is important for IKEA to be here, and it will zealously protect it’s property rights, including those set forth in the federal and state constitutions.
The lot was purchased in 2004. If the project comes to fruition, that could mean $1.7 million in revenue each year and 100s of jobs.
Councilman Abe Gupta says the city council’s decision has been postponed to Nov. 8 as they wait for information regarding that threat of litigation from IKEA.
That also happens to be two days after the midterm elections.