The Planning Commission listened to a presentation from the developers and comments from the public Wednesday, but it made no decision on the master plan amendment and rezoning request. A followup meeting with the Planning Commission has not yet been scheduled.

Troy Herold, vice president of Wal-Mart developer CLC Associates Inc., touted the merits of building a new store at the site, saying it would allow for more landscaping, more attractive parking and outdoor lighting.

It also would contain environmentally sustainable features "that are not feasible in a remodel of a 40-year-old building," Herold said.

Soren Simonsen, an architect and council member, disputed that claim, saying that old buildings can be remodeled to meet most green-building standards.

"Demolishing and rebuilding by its very nature is not a sustainable practice," Simonsen said.

The problem, Herold said, is that renovation is more expensive, and the Parleys Way project has a budget. A remodel wouldn't allow for the quality of design and extent of landscaping planned for a new store, he said.

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