Politics & Government
South City Planners Study Potential Effects of a Walmart Superstore
Do you want an upgraded Safeway in South City? Or a one-stop-shop superstore with groceries too? City planners are looking into what a Walmart would mean for our local economy.
South San Francisco planners are preparing to conduct a study on how a superstore grocery seller like Walmart would affect South City's economy.
The city's principal planner, Gerry Beaudin, said that councilmembers requested the study in light of rumors that Walmart was interested in the property east of Route 101 that Lowe's currently occupies.
City Councilmember Kevin Mullin said that the city attorney notified the council that Walmart had expressed interest, but had received no formal application.
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"Walmart has a well documented history of anti-worker behavior, and I don't believe that is consistent with the values of our community," Mullin said via email. He said he is also concerned that a superstore with a large grocery component has the potential to threaten the economic success of small grocers in the area, as well as discourage larger stores on the residential side of the city, like Safeway, from upgrading.
The study will include a look at how grocery zoning is dispersed throughout the city. According to Beaudin, a superstore like Walmart with a grocery component within the store would be permitted for the zoning east of 101, but a stand-alone grocery store like Safeway would have to go through a more in-depth process.
Find out what's happening in South San Franciscowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Beaudin said he hopes to dive into the study as soon as possible, and to report back to City Council this fall.
"This will be useful information for future planning and land use conversations," Mullin said.
Beaudin said that the city has not conducted a study like this in the past, and that planners are currently working with consultants to nail down its scope and timeline.
City Council gave the study the go-ahead at a meeting in late August.
Are you a small business owner? Parent? Consumer? Tell us your thoughts on how another superstore would fit into South City and whether you're interested to see the results of this study.
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