Douglas Walmart hearing continued until November

For the third time, a design review for a 152,495-square-foot Walmart Supercenter in south Gardnerville has been postponed.

On Thursday, Gardnerville Manager Jim Park said Pentacor Engineering, representing Walmart, has requested the town board's design review of the project be continued until November.

"I was told they need some additional time to revise some things," Park said. "It looks like a redesign as well."

Douglas County's deadline regarding the design review application also has been extended from Oct. 21 until Nov. 10, Community Development Director Mimi Moss reported Thursday.

What has become a divisive debate in the Valley started at Gardnerville's first hearing on the project

Sept. 1.

At that meeting, board members voted to continue the review after listening to concerns from residents and neighboring property owners.

The hearing was rescheduled for Sept. 15, but when that meeting was canceled and continued to Oct. 6, protesters gathered in front of the town offices with signs slamming Walmart.

Now, proponents and opponents of the project will have to wait another month to weigh in.

The superstore, which will include a market, pharmacy and tire and lube center, is proposed for roughly 20 acres of commercial land along Highway 395, between Service Drive and Carson Valley Medical Center.

The project is part of the 226-acre Virginia Ranch Specific Plan, which includes more than 1,000 residential units and up to 100 acres of commercial zoning.

Opponents have pointed out that the Virginia Ranch Specific Plan calls for village-like, pedestrian-friendly commercial development compatible with historic downtown.

They've argued that Walmart doesn't fit the requirements and, if built, would be detrimental to neighbors and the greater community.

Proponents have argued that the superstore would provide jobs, reduce the commute of some shoppers, and help lower prices of other retailers in town.