Ceres to revisit plan for Wal-Mart site

CERES -- The City Council will again consider the proposed Mitchell Ranch Center on Monday night, this time with a revised sales strategy for the building at Mitchell and Hatch roads.

In May, the council heard five hours of testimony and public comment for and against the proposed 300,000-square-foot shopping center anchored by a Wal-Mart. It voted to postpone the issue until July, but Wal-Mart representatives asked for an extension in order to fine tune the sales strategy.

In February, the Ceres Planning Commission approved the supercenter planned for Mitchell and Service roads on the condition that a plan for the sale and reuse of the building there is approved by the council.

The sales strategy outlines an objective to sell the store at Mitchell and Hatch roads or find a new tenant within 18 months of the new store's opening.

Wal-Mart officials have objected to the idea of letting direct competitors move into the location, but the new plan softens some of the restrictions.

Wal-Mart agreed to remove any restrictions on direct competitors after 12 months if the store remains vacant and the corporation is not involved in negotiations with any other business. If Wal-Mart is still in negotiations after 18 months and at least 50 percent of the store remains vacant, restrictions will be lifted.

While the building is vacant, Wal-Mart has agreed to maintain the site by removing graffiti, replacing broken windows, maintaining landscaping and paying the city $25,000 for security.

City staff did not make any recommendation to the council concerning Wal-Mart's plan, citing uncertainty about whether it will address all of the council's concerns.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth St.

Bee staff writer Erin Tracy can be reached at (209) 578-2366.