By KAREN VELIE
Following more than two hours of public comment, the Atascadero City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the construction of a Walmart and another shopping center dubbed the Annex near the intersection of El Camino Real and Del Rio Road.
Of the 60 speakers, 37 spoke in favor of Walmart noting the jobs the mega store could bring to the area and the increased shopping opportunities.
Opponents, 23 in all, primarily argued against the city partially funding roundabouts and related road work estimated to cost $4.5 million. As part of a cost-sharing plan, Walmart agreed to pay about $2.2 million, with the city covering the remainder.
As the result of Tuesday’s approval, a Walmart could open as early as 2014.
Loading...
