Wal-Mart Plan Leads to Residents Meeting

Angry over the announcement that a large discount store could be moving into the proposed 660,000-square-foot Towne Center mall, Porter Ranch residents will discuss their options at a public meeting today.

The Vistas and the Heights Homeowners Assn. will be looking into ways of reducing the impact of Wal-Mart’s possible move into the yet-to-be-built center on the northwest corner of Corbin Avenue and Rinaldi Street, said Margo Harzheim, a spokeswoman for the association.

Harzheim said the association wants Shapell Industries, which is developing the area, to plant mature trees along Corbin Avenue, install signs that read “residents only” on Corbin, and to place all Towne Center entrances and exits on either Rinaldi or Winnetka Avenue.

“We also want some input into the rest of the stores that haven’t signed leases to move into the Towne Center,” Harzheim said.

“That way, we can still make it our residential community shopping center for whatever is left.”

Speaking on behalf of the association, Harzheim expressed hope that Wal-Mart will reverse its decision to move into the center.

“We’re hoping that Wal-Mart decides that they’re not wanted and changes its mind,” she said.

The public meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in front of Fire Station No. 28, 11641 Corbin Ave., Porter Ranch.

For more information, call (818) 831-8989 or (818) 832-4243.