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Wal-Mart still seeks to build Supercenter in Lodi
The company is looking forward to new approval process, starting with public hearing
By Chris Nichols
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Monday, October 6, 2008 6:12 AM PDTNews-Sentinel Staff Writer
It's been more than five years since a Wal-Mart Supercenter was first proposed in Lodi. And it's been three-and-a-half years since a court overturned the Lodi City Council's approval of the massive retail project.
Wednesday night will mark the start of a new approval process for the Arkansas-based retailer. That process starts with the Lodi Planning Commission's public hearing, set for 7 p.m. at Carnegie Forum.
Commissioners will take comments from Supercenter supporters and opponents alike. They're expected to vote on a revised environmental impact report, which was ordered by a San Joaquin County Superior Court judge in 2005, citing an inadequate initial report.
Based on past opposition, Lodi officials expect that any commission decision will be appealed.
Should that happen, the Lodi City Council will decide on the project later this year.
The development's EIR is available on the city's Web site at www.lodi.gov, and at City Hall.
Wal-Mart officials hope the project's biggest hurdles are behind them.
Public hearing on Wal-Mart Supercenter project
When and where: 7 p.m. Wed. at the Lodi Planning Commission meeting, Carnegie Forum, 305 W. Pine St."It has been a very difficult and challenging process," Central Valley Wal-Mart spokesman Aaron Rios said Friday. "We're excited to finally be at the point where we are able to move to the planning commission."
The Supercenter would anchor the 13-building, 340,000 square-foot project, known formally as the Lodi Shopping Center.
It would be built on the southwest corner of Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road.
Rios said it's still too early to say when the Supercenter or other stores would be built, should the project gain approval.
Even with approval from the city, the project's revised EIR would still have to gain the blessing of the superior court, Rios noted.
City officials this time around have asked project developers to invest more than $680,000 in Lodi's Downtown to offset the possible drain the development will have on commerce in the city's core.
Rios said his company, along with developer Darryl Browman, has begun to research ways to invest in the Downtown.
He said there's nothing specific planned so far, noting that the investment would not be required until five years after the first building permit is issued at the Supercenter project.
Contact reporter Chris Nichols at chrisn@lodinews.com.
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Rhodie wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:39 AM:
She doesn't shop with the kids. I do it all. And since the oldest was a baby through the three of them now I either parked next to the cart return or took the kids with me as I returned the cart. Of course this means a little extra walking and being exposed to physical activity but it's worth the risk. It also means thinking of those around me by putting things where they belong.
"and in need of the publics help to take care of business."
You're right, how dare a business expect people to treat their neighborhood with respect and put things away. Judging from your postings you are probably one of those people that, while shopping, decide you don't want something and just leave it where ever you are in the store. I don't know about you but I'm tired of finding raw meat sitting on the check out shelves at Food4Less. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:41 PM:
I'm not sure why you and some others are so willing to give SWM a free pass on so many issues. The store should be an asset, not a burden and in need of the publics help to take care of business. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:39 PM:
Rhodie: Again, depending on the age of the children most parents decide that it is not wise to leave their children alone in a car so as to return the store's shopping cart. The children are more important than a cart. And most stores know this and offer help out with groceries. To suggest that one should look for a parking spot specifically so they can park by a shopping cart return area is just a weird suggestion. As a mother with children I have higher priorities when parking in store parking lots. Do you tell your wife that it's better to park by the shopping carts when out with the children? Sure, that's the number one thing I think about when in a parking lot with the kids. "
Rhodie wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:20 PM:
Yes, because two spaces away is such a risk. Or maybe the parents can be smart enough to take the kids with them as they return the cart. Or even smarter yet, park next to the cart return.
"Take a look at the numbers throughout the country on parking lot crime and check out the issue SWM has had with parking lot crime. The bigger the lot the more the crime."
If this were true then malls, Target, Lowes, Safeway, Borders, Movies theaters and Circuit city just to name a few would need to hire security as well.
It's amazing to me that you think that ONLY Walmart CAUSES these problems. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 12, 2008 7:52 PM:
" "Are there any other stores in town that have security circle their parking lot 24/7?"
I guess no other stores care about our safty like Walmart does. "
Rhodie: Actually, Wal-Mart needs the security the most so that's why they hire the rent a cops. Take a look at the numbers throughout the country on parking lot crime and check out the issue SWM has had with parking lot crime. The bigger the lot the more the crime. Some SWM's have even had to add a police sub-station right there at the store site because the police had to come out so often. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 12, 2008 7:42 PM:
Rhodie wrote on Oct 12, 2008 4:56 PM:
I guess no other stores care about our safty like Walmart does. "
Rhodie wrote on Oct 12, 2008 4:55 PM:
It is the Employee's job to gather the carts outside the stores as well. Judging by your statements then we should ignore carts in the parking spaces and returns and just grab them from inside the stores. But I see this as being as inconciderate as those who left the cart in the space to begin with. You are walking by, you need a cart there is a cart blocking others from using that space and you ignore it prefering to grab a second cart from inside just to leave it in the parking lot again.
I much prefer grabbing carts from the lot because it feels like helping strangers.
I remember once as I was pulling away from my space at food for less once seeing a dad finish unloading his cart then push it in into an open space next to his car. The other side of him was the cart return two spaces away. "
Mainframe wrote on Oct 12, 2008 1:05 AM:
Mainframe wrote on Oct 12, 2008 1:03 AM:
Mainframe wrote on Oct 12, 2008 1:01 AM:
Sprawl is often mistaken for economic development, and the people it affects the most are least likely to understand it.
10 Sins of Sprawl
It destroys the economic and environmental value of land
It encourages an inefficient land-use pattern that is very expensive to serve.
It fosters redundant competition between local governments, an economic war of tax incentives.
It forces costly infrastructure development at the edge of towns.
It causes disinvestment from established core commercial areas.
It requires the use of public tax support for revitalizing rundown core areas.
It degrades the visual, aesthetic character of local communities.
It lowers the value of other commercial and residential property, reducing public revenues.
It weakens the sense of place and community cohesiveness.
It masquerades as a form of economic development.
________________
That's something to think about before we say yes to super walmart. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 11, 2008 2:59 PM:
Lodisafeway: Why isn't it SWM's job to keep their store in good order? When did it become the customer's job to do the work of the store and employees? This is a strange and new thought process on your part. This must mean that you think/know that a SWM can get pretty nasty and dumpy due to their customer base. True? "
Lodian wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:40 PM:
JD: I totally agree. "
JD wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:59 AM:
Well, if we're strictly talking about the inside of the store, and you're never going to shop there, why are you concerned with the "good order" of the store? Within the parameters of the health code and other applicable ordinances, let the people who actually shop there determine if WalMart's standards of cleanliness are compatible with their own.
If we're talking about the class of people who tend to hang around outside the store--most of them will naturally gravitate to wherever the lowest prices are. If they weren't at SuperWalmart, they'd be at Food 4 Less, or some other place. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:42 PM:
Lodisafeway: Why isn't it SWM's job to keep their store in good order? "
Lodian wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:41 PM:
JD: Why isn't it SWM's job to keep their store in good order? "
JD wrote on Oct 9, 2008 4:16 PM:
Usually it appears to me that most stores directly resemble the communities in which they reside - and this commentary is not directed at Wal-Mart specifically. As long as the economy is struggling most people will choose savings over virtually any other consideration, except for crime and filth. As long as its customers assist in keeping Wal-Mart in good order, there shouldn't be a problem shopping there.
The question isn't so much what you think of Wal-Mart, as it is what you think of your fellow Lodians. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:16 PM:
Rond1213: The Lodi store will be exactly like the Stockton store. Where is there any proof that it will be any different? We have the proof of what a SWM will end up being like and you are choosing to ignore reality. You "THINK" a Lodi store will be different. WHY? Wal-Mart does not change their procedures or management or way of doing business per each town they locate these monstrosities. Actually they like to say how we will find their stores alike no matter where we travel. A Lodi SWM will be exactly like Stockton's store, so that is what you are really promoting. No thanks. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:09 PM:
" I agree with Rond1213! If two apple trees are planted a good distance from each other and one apple tree is doing poorly, it is sheer STUPIDITY to assume, another apple tree farther away will turn out the same! "
T & C: You are wrong again. If the tree comes from the same nursery, has the same gardener, the same landscaper and all have the same low level respect for the surroundings of said tree then the tree will be exactly like the other. DUH! "
T & C wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:51 AM:
T & C wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:49 AM:
T & C wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:47 AM:
Robb wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:24 PM:
Lodian wrote on Oct 8, 2008 4:47 PM:
linda lodi wrote on Oct 8, 2008 3:40 PM:
Rond1213 wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:03 PM:
I agree with those of you about the Stockton store. It is a nightmare. I blame that on poor management, security, and Stockton police dept. The store, and area are poorly run, and customer concern has no value there. I don't feel that would happen in Lodi. We seem to have a good store management, security could be a little better, but the Lodi Police dept would be on top of events. So you should put your faith in the Lodi community in see that a Supper WalMart here in Lodi would be handled in a much better way. I have been to other Supper WalMarts in other area's and found them to be very nice, and a joy to shop at. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:20 PM:
falcon wrote on Oct 8, 2008 10:55 AM:
T & C wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:51 AM:
"The nation's second-biggest grocery store said Tuesday that its profit rose to $199.7 million".
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/10/07/financial/f091341D42.DTL
Well I don't choose to FEED my money to greedy Union grocery store chains who care more about milking the customers bank account for PROFIT, then helping provide a reasonable product at a reasonable price! "
edumacation wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:55 PM:
First the parking areas. Boom boom boom, boom boom , boom boom, Boom shaka laka, boom shaka laka. It sounds like some far away tribal ceremony drums of some sort. Maybe a sacrifice to the Super Walmart Gods?
Second, Come on down Border Patrol and ICE agents. If you can't get your daily quota of criminal aleins AKA illegal aliens, you need more training. You could ship them back on te Union Pacific Line. I think we have plenty of room, as long as the trains don't slow down so they can jump off (actually a desert might be a good place to rest).
The criminality is obvious, vatos hombres all over the area.
Please visit out town ICE agents. Our cities are bubbling over with illegal aliens, manufacturing more anchor babies. We need to start passing out condoms. "
ayres50 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:18 PM:
4AStrongLodi wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:18 PM:
They know what it takes for a store to be successful. Demographics don't lie. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:03 PM:
" .
Trader Joe's believes "..Lodi does not have enough college educated people for them to choose Lodi for a store location
Trader Joe's must have someone at corporate reading these blogs... "
SportsGuru: They probably do at that. Just like employers that check out the myspace of prospective employees. That's okay. TJ's still gets tons of my money anyway. "
ordinarycitizen wrote on Oct 7, 2008 2:37 PM:
commonsense1 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 2:34 PM:
falcon wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:58 AM:
"This should NOT be about Walmart. It should be about a business relocating to another site that has been appropriately zoned. That simple! You cannot single out a business and tell them it is zoned properly for everyone but you.
I AGREE 100% OBSERVER! You are right! "
Observer wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:08 AM:
4AStrongLodi wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:59 AM:
I don't know what the real reasons are for this group opposing the Super Wal-Mart (I suspect there are some racist undertones), but I agree: big or small, we should not discriminate against businesses. Wal-Mart should be treated no differently than anyone else who wants to build on properly zoned land. I'm tired of the governemnt having to get involved in how we run our businesses.
I suspect this group is a bunch of elitists who can afford to shop where ever the want. Well, the rest of us can't! And, with unemployment at almost 10% in San Joaquin County, I don't suspect many others can either. "
Observer wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:31 AM:
SportsGuru wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:08 AM:
Trader Joe's believes "..Lodi does not have enough college educated people for them to choose Lodi for a store location
Trader Joe's must have someone at corporate reading these blogs... "
SportsGuru wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:07 AM:
After reading this morning's article on the city's "larger than expected" revenue shortfall, I say "BRING ON SUPER WALMART AND ALL OF ITS TAX REVENUE" because - I'm sure our city politicians are already contemplating their next raise! "
falcon wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:27 AM:
Citizens of Lodi should have all of the choices available to them, not just the choices that elitists think they should. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:48 AM:
" If you're going to buy 1 stock in this bad market, buy WalMart. More and more people will shop there if our economy continues to decline. "
LOL! You might be right! "
Lodian wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:44 AM:
" patricia... you post cracked me up! The real reason you will have to wait for a parking space at the Stockton Super Wal-Mart is because customers know where value for the money is!"
T & C: I guess you must have missed all the run down motor homes and junk cars parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot. At least that guy with the big nasty van-like vehicle, with all the antlers and garbage all over it, has found a new parking place for the time being. What a dump. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:41 AM:
Cogito: Yes, TJ's says Lodi does not have enough college educated people for them to choose Lodi for a store location. Imagine that! LOL! "
Cogito wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:49 PM:
T & C wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:25 PM:
T & C wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:23 PM:
Rhodie wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:22 PM:
I'd have to disagree with this statement. I've got three young kids and they grow through clothes faster than they wear out, well except for the knees since I have two boys who play almost exclusively on their knees. But shirts, socks, shoes, coats and toys, I save money by buying the cheapest that will only last them three months becuase by then they have out grown them or worn through the heels. Why pay $15 for a shirt that will only last the summer when i can buy it for $5?
I thought I would go better quality shoes last time and bought them from a "better" store with higher quality and higher prices. Nope three months later the kiddo has worn through the heel already and needs a new pair. My oldest has gone up three shoe sizes in one year, so tell me it's cheaper to buy higher priced items elsewhere rather than the cheapies at Walmart. I'll just check my wallet and know you're wrong. "
Cogito wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:09 PM:
ordinarycitizen wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:26 PM:
lodisafeway wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:01 PM:
When I visited the super Wal-Mart directly next door to the Ikea store in West Sacramento about three months ago, I found it to be clean, orderly and a completely acceptable place to shop. Usually it appears to me that most stores directly resemble the communities in which they reside - and this commentary is not directed at Wal-Mart specifically. As long as the economy is struggling most people will choose savings over virtually any other consideration, except for crime and filth. As long as its customers assist in keeping Wal-Mart in good order, there shouldn't be a problem shopping there. "
Lodian wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:36 PM:
" Robb wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:34 PM:
" It appears that safeway needs to go anyway... "
I hope that they do not. It is a great store with lots of product, with lots of convenience. "
falcon: On that we can actually agree!!!
... "
falcon wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:48 PM:
The sickening thing about it is people digging through potential food someone will purchase with only the Lord knowing what is on their filthy hands, in order to purchase a less rotten piece of produce.
This is a new tack. People that shop at Wall-Mart are unclean and dig through food therefore we dont need to build a SuperCenter.
Is this something that you think is exclusive to Hanford, or do you think that we in Lodi should not build because Lodi people are filthy too? Where are these filthy Lodi people getting their groceries now? "
uncle stinky wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:35 PM:
falcon wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:45 PM:
" It appears that safeway needs to go anyway... "
I hope that they do not. It is a great store with lots of product, with lots of convenience. "
Robb wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:34 PM:
Whoa Nellie! wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:50 PM:
And, wasn't there a deal between the city and the developer to find a tenant for the old space before the new spot can start building? Is that still on?
Can the city enforce some sort of parking lot cleanliness code on Wally? "
DavidD wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:44 PM:
As for helping small businesses, I think the city already does a lot. For example, the Library and Chamber have been offering a wide variety of classes to help us grow our business. These classes have been free or a nominal cost. There are also tons of energy efficiency rebates offered by the city and PG&G. "
4AStrongLodi wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:49 PM:
By the way, we do have say...vote with where you spend your dollars. Why do you think Wal-Mart is going through this huge headache of getting this store built? Because there are a lot of dollars to made. I don't fault them for it...they found a need and they're filling it. That's what's so great about owning a business in this country. "
ordinarycitizen wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:51 PM:
ordinarycitizen wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:40 PM:
4AStrongLodi wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:32 PM:
The questions I have are:
1) What's going to happen to the "old" Wal-Mart? The last thing we need is another unkempt, empty retail space in this town.
2) When is this City going to start helping it's small businesses, so that they can successfully co-exist with the "Big Box" stores? How about some incentives for small businesses and some real "advantages" for them to remain open? "
Lodian wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:15 PM:
dogs4you wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:21 PM:
marzo2008 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:24 PM:
lodisafeway wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:12 PM:
falcon wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:42 AM:
Who is going to pay this $680,000? Again, this potential money grab, by the city, is just going to be passed along to the consumers. Does anyone get this? This is a communists approach to allowing someone to enter a market. A bribe! A payoff.
This "possible drain" is a scam! Citizens that shop at Wal-Mart save money. What are local citizens going to do with that extra money that Wal-Mart saved them? They might just go down town to the movies an grab dinner more often. "
patricia wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:52 AM:
reality1 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:35 AM:
Vickster wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:32 AM:
patricia wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:14 AM:
Comments on this story are now closed.