Not Everyone Hates the Idea of a Super Walmart

People in Redlands’ poorest census tract aren’t worried about what a Walmart Supercenter may or may not do to the city.

They don’t worry about the traffic. They can’t worry about the air.

What they do worry about is stretching every dollar, something they try to do at the existing Walmart in southwest part of town. For them, traffic is already a reality if they want to shop where they can afford.

Some supporters of the proposed store come from an area bordered by Church Street on the west, Colton Avenue on the north, Judson Street on the east and Citrus Avenue on the south. The average household earnings in that area was only $33,164 per year, according to 2000 census – the most recent figures available.

The future of the Super Walmart, which would be part of Redlands Crossing commercial center, is in question as several residents are fighting against it. Some claim the store could crush local small business.

The Supercenter could include a grocery section, a garden center, auto center, pharmacy and banking center, according to staff reports. Developers propose to build on 33 acres at the southeast corner of San Bernardino Avenue and Tennessee Street.

For some of these residents, the development would be the closest of its kind.

The area is dotted with older homes. It includes a senior community, older apartments and student housing. It includes Sylvan Park, half the University of Redlands campus and Redlands High School. If residents want to shop, they must leave the north part of town, many say.

“How many post offices or banks do you see on the north side of Redlands?” a resident who identified himself as Joe recently asked Mayor Pete Aguilar and Mayor Pro-tem Paul Foster during a Coffee with the Council event. Not many he pointed out.

“And whose fault is that?” he added. “We have one market. How many do you have on the south side?”

Longtime resident Gail Ellis said she does feel the north side of the city is overlooked. A grandmother, she works full-time but still helps her family with babysitting, said there is little time and money to spend at specialty shops. They need a store that provides practical and affordable items.

“I’ve already signed a petition for (the Walmart),” she said. “I would like to see it here. I grew up here. Before the mall, there was nothing. But then the mall was full of stores we could not afford.”