Neighborhood Market OKd

Groundbreaking for the new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market should begin before the end of the year. Plans were approved byPea Ridge Planning Commission members Tuesday. A variance was approved with one dissenting vote. Two Planning Commission members, both employed byWal-Mart, sat in the audience and did not participate in the meeting.

Chairman Dan Powers and member Heather Clark recused themselves from the meeting at sat in the back of the council chambers observing, but not participating in, the meeting.

Keith Moore, project manager for Carlson Consulting Engineers for Wal-Mart, said once bids are let, construction should begin.

“We believe we’ve met or exceeded all of your code requirements,” Steve Giles, Wal-Mart land use development o◊cer, said.

Sidewalks were extended north along Carr Street to the end of the development area and a walking path was extended beyound the sidewalk which will bebuilt in front of the development. Wal-Mart owns the entire 30-plus acre site, but is developing only the front southeast corner.

“Thank you for making arrangements to get a walkway all the way to Weston Street,” Jerry Burton, planner, said.