Council fails to overturn Planning Commission denial of Walmart Neighborhood Market site plan at Coltrane and Covell

Edmond City Council declined to approve a site plan for a proposed Walmart Neighborhood Market at the northwest corner of Coltrane Road and Covell Road after a lengthy public hearing that included more than 100 speakers and protracted debate about compatibility, traffic and tree preservation. On the motion to approve the site plan the council recorded a 1–4 vote (one in favor, four opposed), so the Planning Commission’s earlier denial stands.

The proposed building would be about 44,000 square feet and roughly 27 feet tall. Ken Bridal, Edmond’s director of planning, told the council the application included two driveways (one on Covell, one on Coltrane), screening and landscaping on the north and west sides, and that “no variances are being requested or are required.” Bridal noted the Planning Commission denied the plan on June 17 after public concerns about traffic circulation and safety, outdoor lighting…