Shoppers in Chico will have to live with a regular Walmart. Plans to expand the store into a Supercenter were squashed Tuesday night when Walmart officials failed to meet demands set forth by the city council.
Several council members had asked the company to present extra benefits with the expansion, including a $1 million contribution to the city's wood stove program and the addition of solar panels to improved store site.
The demands have been described by some have as political extortion, among them council member Larry Wahl, one of three council members who voted in favor of the project.
"This is the most egregious example I've seen in nine years on the council, of a council trying extract stuff out of a business or a company coming to Chico to provide jobs," said Wahl.
Opponents of the project have argued that new jobs at Walmart would come at the expense of local businesses. They also believe the company has continually failed to mitigate the air quality and traffic problems presented by the project.
Wal-Mart representative Angie Stoner said she is disappointed with the council's decision, especially considering that more than 7 years of work has gone into the project.
Stoner said the company is evaluating all its options, but they have not ruled out bringing a law suit against the city.
