The Albany City Council on Wednesday got its first look at a $45 million shopping center that might include a Wal-Mart store.

Canada-based SmartCentres representatives showed what the site could look like during a hearing.

The company did not announce tenants for the six buildings proposed for the 26-acre site, and Don Donovan, the city's planning manager, said he still is waiting to hear what businesses were coming.

A few people questioned the project. Erin Johnson, who came to the meeting against the plan, said she felt better about it after having her questions answered.

The site is south of Santiam Highway and west of Goldfish Farm Road and abuts a neighborhood.

Andrew Sinclair, spokesman for the company and others representing the firm, addressed concerns raised.

They said increased traffic would not result in difficult congestion problems, storm water runoff would be contained and partially treated before leaving the site, the development would not contribute to area flooding during the rainy season, and delivery truck noise would be mitigated by restricting delivery hours.

They also said the property would generate about $800,000 in taxes a year; businesses would hire about 500 service, retail and restaurant employees; and more than 250 construction workers would be needed to build the project.

Janet Steele of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, and John Pascone of the Albany-Millersburg Economic Development Corp., urged the council to approve the site plan.

"This regional shopping center stops retail leakage to other communities," Steele said. "We should be glad someone is willing to do this during these tough economic times."

Pascone said Albany was a "perfect place" to make such an investment.

The council postponed its deliberations and tentative decision until Oct. 22.

Councilor Dick Olsen, who announced earlier he would not take part in the proceedings, requested the delay because of the overwhelming amount of information presented.

The other councilors agreed.

Last month, Olsen said he would not participate in the hearing because of biases against Wal-Mart. But Wednesday, Olsen said he was not "fatally biased," so would be involved after all.

Councilor Sharon Konopa excused herself from the proceedings because of potential conflicts of interest and negative feelings about Wal-Mart.