Council hears first reading of Walmart site plan; planning staff say curbside pickup will cut about 17 parking spaces

Councilors on Jan. 20 heard the first reading of bill number 2026-002, a final site plan and parking-ratio reduction for a Walmart at 2150 Main Street in Booneville. Planning and zoning staff described an exterior addition to accommodate curbside pickup that would reduce parking on the south side by about 17 spaces and alter traffic flow to speed customer pickup and drop-off.

"They're gonna be adding in kind of a pickup hub on the right hand side of the building. It's gonna reduce the parking spots on the ... South Side of Walmart by 17, I believe," planning staff said, explaining the change is intended to accommodate more curbside pickup and interior upgrades.

Council members asked about anticipated traffic impacts. Planning staff said Walmart anticipates increased pickup usage but that the site's existing parking is underutilized and the loss of 17 spaces would be minor in practice.

Legal counsel told the council that Walmart’s internal parking-ratio target (5 spaces per 1,000) is an internal corporate standard and that the proposed reduction does not conflict with the city's original development agreement or parking-code requirements.

"That ratio for the parking spaces was an internal rule that Walmart has in their own internal site plans... It still is consistent with our city codes in regards to parking requirements," legal counsel said.

The item was presented as a first reading; no final vote took place. Planning and zoning materials in the meeting packet include additional interior modifications (restrooms, pharmacy) and a site plan, and the council will consider future readings and any required approvals.