BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - On September 18th, 1986, the Berlin Mall held its grand opening celebration.

Like many big commercial projects in Vermont, the mall had faced opposition from environmental groups and townspeople who wanted to protect the area from development.

However, a big crowd was excited to shop at the Riches, JCPenney, and other chain stores.

Another major environmental battle concluded on this day in 1995 with the groundbreaking for a Walmart in Williston.

The project had been the symbol of the anti-sprawl movement aimed at keeping Chittenden County from turning into anywhere in the U.S.

Supporters saw Walmart and the many big boxes that would follow as a way to modernize Vermont and serve the public’s demand for cheap goods.

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