Wal-Mart plan advances

CEDAR HILLS — The city planning commission gave concept approval for a proposed Wal-Mart supercenter Thursday night following a four-hour meeting.

The move is an indication the project will get the go-ahead, but planning commissioners are recommending a few modifications be made before they pass it on to the City Council for final consideration.

Residents who packed the public hearing voiced a mixture of opposition and support for the store.

It's the second time the retailer has approached the city. The City Council rejected the original application in 2003 in the wake of strong protests from city residents.

The company's new plan is for a 131,946-square-foot super center that would sit between Riverwood Drive and 4800 West on Cedar Hills Drive. The size is 30,000 square feet smaller than the building proposed in 2003.

Despite the decrease in size, several of the residents who spoke at the hearing said they want an even smaller store.

"My biggest concern is the size," Gary Hilton said. "I wonder why we always have to supersize things."

Although Hilton said he likes the savings Wal-Mart provides, he cautioned the commission against a purely economic decision.

"Don't sell out on something that will decrease our value of life just to save money," he said.

Others raised concerns about increased traffic on nearby roads, particularly 4800 West, and the safety of students at Lone Peak High School, which lies across the street from the proposed Wal-Mart location.

"I am here as a concerned father of a student at Lone Peak High School," said Steve King, a Highland resident. "(Traffic is) a concern to me, having my son travel on (4800 West) to and from school."

Wal-Mart's Sunday operations also created worries for those who believe the structure would ruin the area's ambience.

"Does Utah really need a Wal-Mart in every single town?" Wendy Gage asked. "Most people bought their homes (in Cedar Hills) for the mountain views, lake views and close-knit community. Not for a glowing Wal-Mart view."

Wal-Mart has attempted to create a community-oriented design for the building, said Shell MacPherson from Pacland, the development company that created the plans.

"Wal-Mart has listened to the community and responded," he said.

The structure would be one-of-a-kind, with an unusually large plaza in front, large trees and architecture designed to blend in with the community.

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E-mail: rwestenskow@desnews.com