Hailey
In a decisive 4-1 vote, the Edmond City Council has denied a proposed Walmart development at the intersection of Covell Road and Coltrane Road, following vocal opposition from nearby residents.
The rejection came after weeks of growing tension between homeowners and developers, as concerns mounted over the impact the project would have on surrounding neighborhoods.
Petition Garners Over 800 Signatures Against Project
The council’s decision was largely influenced by an online petition that gathered more than 800 signatures from Edmond residents who opposed the development.
The petition reflected community concerns about increased traffic, property value impact, and violations of city planning codes.
Residents Express Personal and Zoning Concerns
Proximity and Building Design Spark Debate
Matt Farley, a resident whose home directly borders the proposed construction site, provided a visual at the city council meeting to highlight the issue.
“I shared a picture taken from my son’s second-story bedroom. My house is right next to the site,” Farley said.
Farley referenced Edmond’s zoning codes, arguing that the proposed Walmart structure would breach regulations due to its flat roof being visible from adjacent properties.
“The code clearly states that flat roofs must not be visible from neighboring homes,” he added.
Homeowners Association Also Opposes the Project
Barry Black, the president of the Ashford Oaks Homeowners Association, joined others in urging the council to reject the plan. He emphasized the lack of adequate buffers between the proposed commercial structure and residential properties.
“A homeowner to the north confirmed to us that there’s no buffer zone on his property line. That means the responsibility falls on the Walmart side to create one,” Black said.
Walmart Representatives Defend Compliance
Developer’s Legal Team Challenges Council’s Position
Despite opposition, Walmart’s legal representative, attorney Todd McGuiness, defended the project during the council session. McGuiness insisted that the development meets all city requirements and questioned why it was being denied.
“We’ve met the criteria. Staff has said we are compliant, and no one has pointed to anything we’re doing wrong,” McGuiness argued.
He urged council members to reconsider the appeal based on legal compliance rather than emotional opposition.
Community Still Divided on Issue
While many residents opposed the development, others voiced their support. Bryce Page, another Edmond local, emphasized that the developers have followed all the required protocols.
“They’re following the rules, and in my view, it’s the city’s responsibility to respect that,” Page stated.
Appeal Denied—What’s Next for the Site?
This was not the first rejection the project faced. The initial proposal was denied in June, and this most recent appeal was an effort to revive the plan with modifications.
The council’s decision effectively halts Walmart’s immediate plans for the Covell-Coltrane site, though future revisions or proposals could still surface.
The Edmond City Council’s decision to block the proposed Walmart development at Covell and Coltrane reflects the weight of public opinion and the importance of adhering to city zoning laws.
With over 800 residents voicing opposition and concerns over building aesthetics, traffic, and property proximity, city leaders chose to prioritize community concerns.
While Walmart representatives maintain that they complied with all regulations, the path forward for the project remains uncertain.