CALIFORNIA SITE FIGHT: MORE ON WAL-MART’S ENVIRONMENTAL REJECTION IN LODI

Topics: | | Community Impact | Environment | | | |

Lodi Planning Commission rejects Wal-Mart environmental report [The Record (Calif.)]

LODI – The Lodi Planning Commission voted 5-1 Wednesday night against certifying an Environmental Impact Report for a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter in West Lodi.

Community Development Director Rad Bartlam recommended approval of the EIR, saying it meets all the city’s specifications, but that wasn’t enough for commissioners who wanted to see further analysis on how a Supercenter could affect small businesses in Lodi, especially during tough economic times.

“My main concern is blight in existing buildings,” said Commissioner Randall Heinitz, who said he thinks a Supercenter that sells groceries could knock smaller grocers out of business, leaving storefronts vacant.

Commissioner Bill Cummins was the lone vote in favor of the project. Commissioner Tim Mattheis recused himself because his wife is an attorney for a group opposing Wal-Mart.

The Carnegie Forum was filled to its capacity with people in favor of, and in opposition of a Lodi Supercenter being built to replace the giant retailer’s current location on Kettleman Lane.

Posted by Luke West on Friday, October 10, 2008