Walmart Plans Take Another Hit; Board Likes Office Park Plan

Caledonia trustees voted unanimously Monday to take a resident's idea to a public hearing, all but guaranteeing that Walmart's proposed supercenter is dead in the water.

Julie Anderson from Racine County planning presented three options for what mixed use might look like at the corner of 4-Mile and Green Bay Raods, but it was Katie Tiderman's proposal that got the nod.

Basically, Tiderman suggested that the land be changed to a mix of light industrial and office park designation. The land where Calstar sits would officially change to industrial.

"I wanted to come up with a plan and not just keep Walmart out," she said after the meeting. "I really listened to what trustees said about doing what's best for Caledonia and our need for a more diversified tax base."

Trustee Tom Weatherston made the motion to approve taking Tiderman's plan to a public hearing. He did modify the proposal slightly by increasing the size of the industrial parcel to allow Calstar to expand.

Residents applauded after the vote was taken. Their reaction was the only input allowed; President Bob Bradley announced at the beginning of the meeting there wouldn't be public comment so the board could get to work.

We approached Walmart representatives - including Attorney Deb Tomczyk - but they said they couldn't comment. We do have a message into Walmart spokesperson Lisa Nelson, and we will update this story if we hear back from her.

Trustees are expected to schedule the statutorily required public hearing at their Aug. 5 board meeting.

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