SARATOGA SPRINGS — After debating about light fixtures and traffic problems for a proposed Wal-Mart in Saratoga Springs, the Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the development to the City Council for approval.

Only a handful of residents attended Tuesday's public hearing — the first and only to take place so far — to raise concerns about the development.

One resident, Brett Houghton, who co-owns American Car Care Centers in a nearby location, said he was not opposed to Wal-Mart but accused the planning commission of having a double standard.

Houghton said his car establishment was not allowed in the "gateway" area, because its primary purpose is to repair cars. Wal-Mart also has an auto center as a part its store.

"I don't think big box retail is the same as a tire center," said Clark Labrum, city planning director. "I can't honestly say the tire store was thought about when this was listed, but I think the intent was that there would be multiple components, variable components, of a big box retail."

Several other residents expressed concerns about increased traffic caused by the store or what will happen if Wal-Mart decides to vacate the premises in the future.

"There's no guarantee they will stay there," said planning commissioner Butch Johnson. "If you put them in there, you know it's the newest, biggest, greatest store and you hope it will be popular, but if it's not, they'll vacate it and move on. It's just that simple."

Robert Arrington, from CLC Associates Inc., who presented the site plan for the development said Wal-Mart will conduct an independent traffic study of the area and most likely will work with UDOT to help with traffic flow.

In addition to providing awnings for shade, a brick exterior, and benches with planters in the parking lot, Wal-Mart agreed to add more pedestrian walkways to and from the location.

A public hearing on the location is tentatively set for the next City Council meeting on July 25 at City Hall.

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