Walmart Touts Court Ruling on CEQA Suit Filed by Redlands Good Neighbor Coalition

Walmart officials announced Monday a San Bernardino County Superior Court judge has ruled in Walmart's favor in a CEQA lawsuit filed by the Redlands Good Neighbor Coalition.

The suit was filed by RGNC members in November 2012, according to Walmart officials. Superior Court Judge Donald Alvarez ruled in Walmart's favor on July 29, Walmart officials said.

The news came as a surprise to Steve Chapman and Dianne Landeros of the Redlands Good Neighbor Coalition.

"I had not heard about that," Chapman said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

There are two lawsuits, and Dianne Landeros said she went to court to hear the attorneys speak earlier this month.

"We went to court to hear what the attorneys had to say in early July," Landeros told Redlands-Loma Linda Patch. "But I hadn't heard about a decision today."

"That would be a disappointment because we don't think Walmart super centers are good for Redlands or local businesses," Landeros said. "It would hurt the character and quailty of life in small-town Redlands. We knew we were up against a giant in this case."

The development plan that includes a Walmart super center, called Redlands Crossing, proposes a 256,614-square-foot retail and commercial center on 32.9 acres at San Bernardino Avenue and Tennessee Street, according to city records.

"We are pleased with the ruling and we are now a step closer to beginning work on the new store in Redlands," Rachel Wall, senior manager of community affairs for Walmart, said in an email Monday afternoon. 

"We know the new store can be part of the solution when it comes to job creation, economic development and improved access to affordable merchandise and healthier food," Wall said.