Report reveals positive feedback toward Walmart expansion



A map of Walmart's proposal to expand its Chico store

A recently released report related to the Walmart expansion in Chico revealed mostly positive comments toward the project.


The final Environmental Impact Report was released by Chico’s Community Development department on Sep. 9. It answers comments directed at the draft report and addresses issues disputed by the Chico community.


The company's proposal includes a full grocery department and a gas station. If completed, Walmart projects the addition of 85 employees, said Delia Garcia, the Director of Communications for the company.


“We’re pleased that more than 92 percent of comments submitted about the current EIR are positive,” she said. “We are proud to have served the local community for more than 22 years.”


The ultimate goal of the final report is to address the environmental impact of any potential development in Chico. A report is required to be released to the public due to the California Environmental Quality Act.


Some of the main factors discussed in the report include:


  • Baney Lane and Business Lane will need to be altered if Walmart expands
  • Vehicle idling is expected if more Walmart trucks and vehicles use its pharmacy and merchandise pick-up option
  • Poorly performing trees at the current facility aren't maintaining needed shade
  • The plan provides too few spaces for bicycle parking
  • Walmart’s corporate practices were criticized as a cause of urban decay


The draft report received 234 comments supporting the expansion, according to the final report. Chico’s Chamber of Commerce endorsed the project with a unanimous vote and one recusal.


“ In December of 2015, the Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to endorse the Chico Walmart Remodel and Expansion Project,” stated a letter written in favor of the project. “We appreciate the extra steps Walmart is taking to demonstrate their economic and
environmental value as an anchor retailer in Chico.”


Katie Simmons, president and CEO of the Chico Chamber of Commerce, said the group's approval followed careful review of the report.
Katie Simmons is the president and
CEO of the Chico Chamber
 of Commerce



“The Chamber Board of Directors did review the draft EIR,” she said. “It was also reviewed by our Legislative Action Committee.”


The committee is responsible for inspecting legislation affecting the economic development of Chico. This includes review of local ordinances and regulations, including the released report.


While most comments in the final draft favored the expansion, other local organizations said Walmart should strengthen its current proposal.


“I thought that the facilities proposed for bicycling and pedestrians could have been better,” said Janine Rood, executive director of Chico Velo Cycling Club. “I think if they want to be more a part of our community, they should be measuring up to what we want to become and not what we already are.”


The draft report did include necessary accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians. Chico Velo suggested the store provide more than the 39 proposed spaces for bike parking, yet municipal code states the store only needs to provide 18.  


The final EIR examines concerns related to urban decay as well. Some opponents of the project said that Walmart’s current national financial status is worrisome.


Chico Advocates for a Responsible Economy stated in a letter that the potentially negative impact of the Walmart expansion is too much of a risk to allow any further development.


In response, the city cited a study conducted by the Hatamiya Group, an economics consulting firm based out of Davis. The firm concluded that several northern California cities with expanded Walmart locations experienced economic growth.


And while the final draft included mostly positive comments, some residents still don’t see the need for an expansion.


Mike Sawley is the associate planner for Chico's
Community Development Department
“If a developer wants to have groceries, why don’t they adopt a plan like Target,” said B.T Chapman, a resident of Chico. “We don’t have to impact the environment at all, they should rebalance their inventory.”


While the final report provides responses to concerns voiced by the Chico community, zoning laws shouldn’t discriminate based on corporate names, said Mike Sawley, associate planner for Chico’s Community Development Department.


The expansion would cause more emissions related to a larger traffic flow, but if any company decides to expand in the vacant area near Walmart, there will be an impact.

“There are 10 acres of vacant land and something’s going to happen there,” he said,. “Land use regulation is not an appropriate way to punish Walmart for societal ills.”

Anonymous

ChicoReport is a local news project produced by students in the Public Affairs Reporting class (JOUR 321) at California State University, Chico. You can read more about the individual reporters, editors and writers on our Contributors page. If you have questions, comments or news tips, email us at chicoreport@gmail.com