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Business & Tech

Walmart Expansion Awaits Permit Approval

Almost a year after the Walmart expansion was approved, the store is processing permits and conducting interior work.

The Poway is finalizing several permits almost a year after the Poway City Council .

The city of Poway is currently reviewing the mega-retailer’s plans within a three-week time period.

“They’re actually in their second round of plan review,” Director of Development Services Bob Manis said. “They’ve submitted for the building permit, grading permit and improvement plan.”

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The Poway site will expand into a supercenter of almost 180,000 square feet. Almost 37,000 square feet will be added to the current 142,000-square-foot store. The expansion will allow the store to sell food and other perishables.

Manis said it is difficult to estimate a timeframe for the expansion.

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“They’re actually driving the timeline themselves right now,” Manis said. “As quick as they can turn it around is as quick as they can go and get their building permit.”

In addition to exterior construction planning, Walmart has done some interior work as well.

“They reconfigured their aisles quite some time ago and they’ve added a few more groceries,” Manis said. “They only need a permit if they’re doing anything structural, electrical or mechanical.”

Joe St. Lucas, who led , said the 800-member grassroots group does not have any action plans. 

“For most intents and purposes, the group doesn’t exist anymore,” St. Lucas said. “As far as the organization itself, we were put together so that we could prevent or minimize the expansion of Walmart into the supercenter.”

The longtime South Poway community activist said individuals, at their own will, may monitor construction, noise, traffic and hours to make sure guidelines are followed. If any violations are found, individuals would act upon it. 

“Once they actually start construction, they may make sure the truck routes have been followed and set aside and that that demolition occurs within the same hours,” St. Lucas said. “Folks that live nearby in the apartments will start complaining too if it getting too noisy or too dusty when they tear stuff apart and clunk at nighttime when they shouldn’t be.” 

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