(MANTECA,CA) –The Manteca City Council meeting held on April 21 displayed strong public opposition to a few city infrastructure projects.
In particular, the construction of a new super Walmart and a new gas station.
Wallace Osborne, a Manteca Resident, expressed his concerns, stating, “ I’m very concerned about the placement of this Walmart.”
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
Osborne continued, “ I don’t know why you’ve chosen that corner there by SaveMart. It’s going to be a traffic nightmare.”
The new superstore is projected to be built on Atherton and Main Street, which brings traffic concerns to the City’s residents.
Virginia, another Manteca resident, expressed the same concerns, noting, “Even with the planned lane expansion, we're talking about placing a major retail anchor right off the freeway exit, combined with the Save Mart development.”
Alternative locations, like the vacant space at Orchard Mall, were brought before the Council for consideration to avoid the inevitable traffic congestion.
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
Brad Wungluck, Director of Development Services, was in attendance, speaking to the lengthy process the Walmart project must undergo before any construction can begin.
He noted that a preliminary application had been sent to staff, which was done to identify and assess any issues that could occur, such as traffic and storm drain problems. “We’re probably looking at least 12 months to get it to the planning commission when you look at where we are now.”
Listing components such as the formal application, environmental review, public review, and a hearing, Wungluck concluded, stating, “ It will take quite a while.”
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
This opposition coincided with a 24-hour gas station proposed to be built in a residential area on Pillsbury Road. Residents mentioned the inappropriate nature of such a development in a residential space, questioning whether the City Council was even listening to its residents.
A petition was mentioned that has garnered over 700 signatures. Johanna Titus, creator of the petition, had also created yard signs that list hazards that would come with the project, including but not limited to cancer risks, increased traffic, drop in home value, and crime.
Talks of a two-year deferral for the new Three Strikes Bowling Alley had been presented by its developers. The request refers to the Public Facilities Implementation Plan (PFIP) Transportation Fees; specifically to traffic signals needing to be installed on Atherton Drive.
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
The cost, amounting to $ 1,000,000, requested the fee deferral before the council to alleviate the upfront financial burden and free up cash flow for the project. Councilman Charlie Halford expressed his reluctance about the request.
“My concern is we are setting a precedent in doing this, and I certainly don't want it to become the standard because we are requiring everybody else to pay their fees upfront.” Vice Mayor Regina Lackey shared the same sentiment.
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
The Council, despite these concerns, also acknowledged the significant revenue that would be generated from the entertainment center. Along with this, the Mayor in particular noted the Three Strikes Bowling Alley would provide a long-awaited activity to do in Manteca for its residents.
Mayor Gary Singh stated, “One of the things I constantly hear from our public is, “we want things here for kids to do, for others and entertainment; we want places to go. We don’t want the same old, same old.”
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
The Council, after deliberation, unanimously agreed to the request.
Also on the agenda was a proposal from Overaa and Company to receive twenty million dollars for fiscal year 2028. This pertains to a part of their project for the Wastewater Quality Control Facility Ultraviolet Disinfection System, which was also unanimously approved.
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