Man, again? We've beat this horse dead a number of times. Did you read the article? they didn't vote down Wal-mart as an institution. They didn't vote no based on small business or hometown feelings. They voted down the tax profit plan. Change that plan and then see what happens.
Let's look at the other side of the issue from a city stand point. DYI has been closed for years. The dealer is shrinking based on what is seen on their lot. Why keep the area empty and an eyesore? Let the new place in, they do the traffic studies, they know the population and flow. As always, the smaller, specialized stores move in around them because they know the big ones don't build where success isn't possible. The studies have been done and proven, so the little fish, follow the big fish.