SIMI VALLEY : Coalition Opposes Wal-Mart Store

About a dozen Simi Valley political activists, labor union members, business owners and environmentalists said Friday that they have joined forces to oppose the construction of a Wal-Mart store in the city.

During a news conference, members of the Coalition to Save Jobs, the Environment and Business cited various reasons for opposing the store. Some alleged that it would draw shoppers away from existing stores in Simi Valley, while others said it would destroy plans to build a regional mall on adjacent acreage.

But several other business leaders who attended the news conference disagreed, asserting that a Wal-Mart would provide an economic boost to the city.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Kristen Stehben said Friday, “We’re pursuing a site in the area, but there has been no announcement by the company about a Wal-Mart store” in Simi Valley.

City officials have said the discount store chain is eyeing a parcel north of the Simi Valley Freeway near First Street, but city officials believe no agreement has been reached with the property owner.

Assistant City Manager Jim Hansen said a Wal-Mart representative is scheduled to meet with city officials next week. He said the retailer has not yet submitted an application to build.

The potential Wal-Mart site is on the western edge of a large area the city has reserved for a regional shopping mall. Hansen said the city’s development rules require such a mall to be built before any adjacent stores, such as a Wal-Mart.

He said the retailer would have to apply for a change in this development rule in order to build immediately.

Members of the group opposing the Wal-Mart store said they did not want to wait until the proposal is presented for a formal review by city officials. “Early in the process is the best time to get our concerns out there,” said coalition spokeswoman Jean Ruecker.