MCCANDLESS (KDKA) — From the first day Walmart identified a site in McCandless for a store, the Giant Eagle just around the corner was concerned.

So the locally-owned grocery chain did something about it, and purchased a major chunk of the land for $1.3 million. This comes just days after construction seemed imminent.

Could Walmart still build?

“Well, if this proceeds as it seems to be, it would put a pretty big hole in where the Walmart store would be. So, basically, a no. Basically, a no,” said McCandless Town Manager Toby Cordek.

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No comment from Walmart Friday night, but Giant Eagle issued a statement:

“We were happy to be able to purchase newly available property along Blazier Drive in McCandless. We look forward to communicating with neighboring property owners and McCandless area reps to determine how we can best use the property to make a positive contribution to McCandless.”

Opponents of Walmart’s plans, whose yards are adorned with opposition signs, are ecstatic.

“It’s wonderful. We tried everything we could in court and couldn’t get anywhere with it and to have Giant Eagle step up is terrific,” said Walmart opponent Dave Scapes.