WAUKESHA — Walmart is suing New
Berlin for a refund of “excessive real estate taxes” in one of
several “dark store lawsuits” that have been filed in Waukesha
County over the last few years.
According to Waukesha County Circuit Court records, Walmart believes
that its New Berlin property, 15205 W. Greenfield Ave., has a value
of no more than $7,650,000.
The lawsuit says the New Berlin City Assessor’s office set the 2019
value of the property at $15,027,500.
Attorneys for big box stores like Walmart use the “dark store”
loophole to argue the value of a store in a busy commercial district
should be based on the value of former retail properties in
unpopular areas that are now closed and vacant.
Walmart is seeking a refund of the 2019 taxes it paid, as well as
statutory interest. |