A proposal for a Walmart store in Wildomar has passed its first hurdle, gaining planning commission approval.
Supported by more than 4,500 pages of reports, analyses and documents, Walmart’s proposal for a Supercenter in Wildomar has cleared its first hurdle.
Planning commissioners voted 4-0 Wednesday, with Dan Bidwell absent, to recommend approval to the City Council, which is scheduled to take the issue up Feb. 11.
The retail giant wants to build a 186,000-square-foot store along with a 7,800-square-foot building for a smaller business on 22 acres at Bundy Canyon and Monte Vista Drive.
Wednesday’s hearing at City Hall attracted an overflow audience of about 70 residents, said Wildomar Planning Director Matthew Bassi.
None of the 13 people who spoke to the commission on the proposal voiced outright opposition, though they did raise concerns about flood control, traffic, access to the site and safety, Bassi said.
Objections to the project have been lodged in letters to the city by several critics, including environmental attorney Raymond Johnson who contends the analysis of the project’s effects falls short, especially with regard to air quality.
The commissioners, however, endorsed the project as presented without seeking changes, leaving intact more than 150 requirements with which Walmart must comply.
Walmart spokeswoman Delia Gracia said in an email that corporation representatives are pleased with the progress in Wildomar. The company is planning construction of another Supercenter in Lake Elsinore, but that has not yet reached that city’s planning commission.