Photos: Poway Walmart Begins Supercenter Expansion

Poway city and business leaders joined Walmart officials Tuesday to break ground on a 37,000-square foot supercenter expansion that will bring groceries to the Community Road store, plus 85 new jobs.

“I’m proud to see Walmart continuing to invest in our community,” Mayor Don Higginson said, according to a news release. “Walmart has gone above and beyond to make sure they are giving back through helping residents save money and through forging meaningful relationships in the City of Poway.”

The Poway City Council approved the expansion in August 2011, despite opposition from No on Walmart Expansion (No WE) group members who expressed concerns about decreased sales tax revenue, increased traffic and the effect on nearby grocery stores. At the time, Higginson responded to the concerns as "monsters under the bed."

[See Video: Walmart Expansion Approved; Mayor Calls Concerns ‘Monsters Under the Bed’ ]

On Tuesday, Walmart officials described the positive effect they believe the larger store—with fresh fruits and vegetables, a deli and a bakery—will have on Poway shoppers.

“Residents will soon have access to fresh food and groceries in their local store as well as a higher quality shopping experience," Aaron Rios, director of government affairs for Walmart, said. "It will become a true one-stop-shopping destination.”

Art Gladue, the Poway store's manager, said he was "excited for our future here."

The store opened in 1992 and was the first Walmart in San Diego County. Councilman Dave Grosch cast the sole vote against the expansion in August 2011, saying he was concerned about how nearby residents would be affected by trucks coming to the store. The store is at 13425 Community Rd.

How will the expansion influence your shopping habits? Tell us in the comments.

Follow Poway Patch on Facebook and Twitter.