No date set for ground breaking
Company official says grand opening expected in early 2017
BARSTOW — While no date has been set for a ground breaking ceremony, a company official said that the grand opening for the planned Super Wal-Mart at East Main Street and Montara Road is expected to take place in early 2017.
The project calls for a 200,000-square-foot superstore to be built on 28 acres. The development is expected to create 85 to 100 jobs and add space for five additional business parcels that would bring in another 100 to 200 jobs, according to a report given by former Assistant City Manager Oliver Chi during an April 2013 City Council meeting.
At that time, Chi also said a bank, two restaurants and retail store were included in the project.
"We are excited to move forward with plans for a new store to better serve our Barstow customers," said Delia Garcia, director of communications for Wal-Mart. "While we haven't finalized a construction schedule, we anticipate grand opening in early 2017."
At the May 4 City Council meeting, City Manager Curt Mitchell said Barstow is still waiting for an official date for ground breaking on the project.
"They (Wal-Mart) submitted plans last fall. Their original idea was to break ground before the end of the year," Mitchell said. "After looking at it, they decided to modify the site plans. They have resubmitted those. They have not yet completed the grading plan for that.
"They had a lot of things they needed to take into account. We do not have a special date on when they plan on breaking ground. We are in touch with them every other week to find out where they are. But at this time we don't have a specific date to report."