Residents oppose Covell commercial development citing traffic and architectural concerns

During the Edmond Planning Commission meeting on June 17, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed development plan for a new Walmart location on Covell Road. The primary focus of the discussion centered on the potential traffic impacts and compatibility of the site plan with existing municipal codes and community standards.

A local architect presented a critical review of the proposed plan, highlighting that the addition of a left turn lane requested by Walmart would conflict with the city's master transportation plan. This plan emphasizes maintaining an unbroken median to facilitate traffic flow and prevent left-hand turns, which the proposed design would undermine. The architect pointed out that the plan lacks raised medians and could lead to increased congestion, as it does not account for the traffic impact of additional vehicles turning into the site.

Residents voiced their concerns about the development's compatibility with the surrounding area. Homeowners living adjacent to the proposed site expressed fears that the new structure would disrupt their quality of life, obstruct views, and introduce excessive noise and light pollution. Specific municipal codes regarding tree preservation and architectural consistency were cited, with residents arguing that the proposed design does not align with the aesthetic and environmental standards set forth by the city.

Several speakers emphasized the importance of adhering to existing regulations to protect residential property rights. They urged the commission to deny the proposal, asserting that it fails to meet the necessary criteria for compatibility with the neighborhood and would negatively impact local traffic and community character.

As the meeting concluded, the commission was left to weigh the residents' concerns against the developer's plans, with the future of the proposed Walmart site hanging in the balance. The outcome of this discussion will have lasting implications for traffic management and community development in Edmond.