BELLA VISTA — The rezoning of a parcel of land slated for Walmart development was recommended for approval by the Bella Vista Planning Commission on Monday night.
Six of seven commissioners voted for the proposal. Commissioner Deb Lewis recused herself from the discussion and vote, because of a conflict of interest. Lewis’ husband is employed by the division of Walmart responsible for building new stores, she told members of the audience.
Landowner Betty Garcia requested 6.2 acres rezoned from residential to commercial off Oldham Drive near its intersection with U.S. 71. Garcia also owns an adjacent lot, which is already zoned commercially and has U.S. 71 frontage. Garcia is under contract with Walmart for sale of the land.
The issue will next be discussed by the City Council, which makes the final decision on rezoning.
Members of the community spoke both for and against the development of a retail center at the intersection. Objections included traffic concerns at the already busy cross street.
Walmart representatives met with City Council members June 6 to present findings of a traffic study retained by Peters and Associates Engineering. The study determined that the current level of traffic at U.S. 71 and Oldham Drive almost warrants a traffic signal as is.
“I don’t see how you can make it safe,” said Charles Land, calling the proposal of the store a “case of ready, fire, aim.”
Terry Tomlin of Tavistock Drive said his idea of Bella Vista’s motto of “embrace the good life” does not include a retail development at the bottom of his subdivision.
Lee Spang said a traffic light belongs at the intersection already and revenue from the store would be in the tens of thousands of dollars for the city. He didn’t think a small amount of objectors should speak for all 26,000 plus residents.
Catherine Maxey said when she moved to the city in 1993, there was one grocery store. After another was built, the first remains in business today. The city needs commercial growth, she said.
Chris Neely, Walmart’s director of public affairs, said Bella Vista is one of the fastest growing areas in the region and the city is seeing a lot of lost revenue by those shoppers going north or south to other Walmart stores.
“(Competitor grocery stores) offer a certain niche and we believe Neighborhood Markets offer a certain niche, too. We have the best prices around and we see people respond to that,” he said.
The next regular City Council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. June 25 at Highlands Crossing Center. The Planning Commission will meet in a work session at 4 p.m. June 27 in the Bella Vista Fire Department training room.