In February, Walmart submitted plans to open a 130,000 square-foot store. City planners say, those plans would be allowed under the new provision. However, the council also voted 5-2 to allow existing stores along the corridor to be updated with the addition of loading docks, new entrances, and other improvements.
That could clear the way for Walmart to move into the 84,000 square-foot site of a former Kmart, and make modifications to the building.
Opponents of the proposed Walmart, including members of the citizens group Livable Ventura, have cited concerns over traffic, parking, the company's business practices, and the impact on small local businesses.
However at the council meeting some resident said they welcomed the store's low prices, and suggested the city would benefit from increased sales taxes.
The fight over Walmart is part of a larger debate over the Victoria Avenue Corridor Plan, a 20-year proposal aimed at revitalizing the thoroughfare.
The Ventura County Star contributed to this report.
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