Edmond planning commission debates Walmart site plan amid safety and traffic concerns

The Edmond Planning Commission meeting on June 17, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding a proposed Walmart site plan and its implications for local traffic safety and property rights.

During the meeting, a resident raised urgent safety issues related to traffic congestion at the intersections of Covell and Coltrane, describing them as "traffic choke points." The resident recounted recent incidents, including a traffic accident, emphasizing that the current road infrastructure is inadequate for the expected increase in traffic from the new Walmart. The resident questioned the viability of the site plan on a two-lane road and expressed concerns about the potential for further accidents.

In response, representatives for the Walmart project highlighted that the site plan had been previously litigated and affirmed by multiple courts, asserting that it complies with all zoning regulations. They noted that the only change from the previously approved plan was the color of the masonry. The developers emphasized that the site plan meets all necessary requirements and that denying it based on public health and safety concerns could be deemed arbitrary by the courts.

The discussion also touched on landscaping and lighting, with assurances that the project would adhere to local regulations regarding light pollution and would include a buffer of trees to mitigate visual impact on nearby residential areas.

Commission members expressed a desire for collaboration between developers and the community, with one member lamenting the preference for litigation over dialogue. The developers indicated that they had attempted to engage with the local homeowners association but felt that there was no willingness to negotiate.

As the meeting concluded, the commission prepared to vote on the site plan, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for traffic management and community relations in Edmond. The discussions underscored the ongoing tension between development and community safety, highlighting the complexities involved in urban planning decisions.