Commission defers Walmart distribution center expansion for 30 days in Bedford County

The Planning Commission of Shelbyville, Tennessee, convened on March 29, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant site plan application for an expansion of the Walmart distribution center located at 285 Frank Martin Road.

The meeting began with procedural motions, which were approved unanimously by the commissioners present. The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed addition of a 706,156 square foot expansion to the existing Walmart distribution center, bringing the total building size to approximately 1,077,962 square feet. The site is identified in Bedford County tax records and is zoned for light industrial use.

During the discussion, it was noted that the project had met all planning requirements, including landscaping and building material specifications. A traffic study related to the expansion was submitted for review, although it was still under evaluation at the time of the meeting. City officials expressed confidence that any comments from Shelbyville Power would be addressed during the construction phase.

Commissioners raised concerns about traffic management in the area, particularly due to the ongoing construction and the potential increase in traffic from the expansion. A motion was made to defer the decision on the site plan for 30 days to allow for a thorough review of the traffic study and to ensure all comments from relevant departments were addressed. This motion received a second and was approved unanimously by the commission.

In addition to the site plan discussion, the meeting included updates on ongoing public works projects and the city's collaboration with Walmart to address road maintenance issues related to construction traffic. The public works director has been actively involved in managing these concerns.

Overall, the meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and thorough review processes as the city moves forward with the Walmart expansion project. The next steps will include a follow-up on the traffic study and further discussions at the next scheduled meeting.