The ‘W’ word

Yep, you guessed it, Walmart is back on the agenda. After having its environmental-impact report quashed by the Chico Planning Commission in July, the retail giant filed an appeal to the City Council Monday (Aug. 31).

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, City Manager Dave Burkland announced the proposed supercenter would be on the agenda for the Sept. 15 meeting. Council members, who will be asked to approve or deny the expansion plans that include a discount grocery element, should expect a packed house.

The Planning Commission’s decision to deny the expansion went counter to what the Planning Department had recommended. The Chamber of Commerce is also in favor of the expansion, but many local residents are vehemently against it, saying it will lead to too much traffic congestion and urban blight by causing the closure of other discount grocers.