New appeal targets a Centerville Wal-Mart

CENTERVILLE — In a last-ditch effort, Wal-Mart foes have again filed an appeal to city leaders.

Led by Weber County resident David Putnam Jr., the South Davis Regional Community Foundation appealed to the Board of Adjustments to impose tougher restrictions on the big-box retailer if it does end up building within city limits.

City planners cleared the way for Wal-Mart to build when they approved a conditional use permit earlier. That permit included several conditions Wal-Mart must meet in order to build.

The South Davis Regional Community Foundation wasn't happy with most of those conditions, and filed an appeal with their recommendations.

"The lives of the residents of Centerville will be changed forever by the building and operation of the proposed Wal-Mart Superstore," the appeal states. "The future of the environment in which all Centerville residents live, work and play depends on the decisions of this board."

In a Dec. 8 meeting, the Planning Commission approved more than 30 provisions Wal-Mart must meet in order to build at 400 West and Parrish Lane.

Among the restrictions was a ban on overnight camping, a popular hobby for recreational vehicle travelers. Other key restrictions included parking, aesthetics, traffic mitigation and noise restrictions.

The South Davis Regional Community Foundation asked the Board of Adjustments to "temper and blunt" inevitable changes Centerville will endure if Wal-Mart comes to town.

The appeal asks the board to change five previously approved conditions Wal-Mart must meet in order to build, including setting a cap on daily truck traffic at 10 trucks per day. The appeal also lists four new conditions, including forcing Wal-Mart to pay for traffic improvements.

Earlier this year, Putnam, a former Centerville resident, filed a complaint in 2nd District Court asking a judge to overturn the Board of Adjustments' ruling that granted Wal-Mart a conditional-use permit. Judge Michael Allphin tossed out the complaint because it was filed too late.

Putnam's cause is aided by free legal counsel from the Community Environment Legal Defense Fund, a group that helps communities "defend themselves from ruthless corporations," Putnam said.

The Board of Adjustments must make a ruling on the appeal before Wal-Mart can submit a final site plan. Once submitted and approved, Wal-Mart can begin construction.

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E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com