Wal-Mart decision nears

CENTERVILLE — For nearly two years, a proposed Wal-Mart Super Center has been a center of controversy in this city of about 15,000.

Now, the Planning Commission is set to decide whether to approve the final site plan and whether to recommend approval of the final subdivision plan on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the mayor and City Council members reviewed details of the 31 terms laid out in a conditional-use permit the Planning Commission approved last December.

For two hours, City Attorney Lisa Romney and Community Development Director Corey Snyder described the provisions and answered questions.

"This is remarkable . . . given our ordinances, given the size of our community, given what they have agreed to," Snyder said of the plan.

If the Wal-Mart plan is recommended by the Planning Commission, it will go to the City Council for approval. A development agreement, or memorialization of the conditional-use permit and site plan, is also subject to City Council approval, though the council only has limited ability to amend the agreement.

A citizens group led by David Putnam Jr., a former Centerville resident, is eyeing the possibility of a lawsuit, or a referendum, if the Wal-Mart gets final approval. Putnam said the South Davis Regional Community Foundation has requested a copy of the traffic mitigation plan and information on storm drainage and air pollution.

"If we decide the plans are deficient, then we'll press the lawsuit," he said. "The city officials do have a right to say 'no' to development if it's going to be too dangerous."

Council members expressed their concerns about aspects of the plan from lighting to traffic mitigation for the Wal-Mart, which would be located at 400 West Parrish Lane, near the city's I-15 interchange.

Among key provisions in the draft proposal:

• Traffic mitigation — Wal-Mart has agreed to fund an estimated $184,000 for eight traffic projects to improve the traffic situation. Wal-Mart's estimated share for four other projects to be shared with Centerville and the Utah Department of Transportation is $87,236.

• Vacant building maintenance — If Wal-Mart vacates the store and is unable to sell or lease it within two years, the owner has 60 days to demolish the building, remove the foundation, cap the utilities and reclaim it to a safe condition.

• Buffering — Nearly 50 feet of space, including a walking path and 8-foot wall, will separate Wal-Mart from residences, and noise is limited to 55 decibels. No delivery or outside activity on the loading docks will be allowed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.