PC 021104 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chairperson Roberts noted that when the president of the California Teachers' Association entreated the public not to shop at Safeway, Albertson's, and Ralph's because she believed children in Southern California were being hurt, she usually responded by shopping at those stores. She believed that situation had been blown out of proportion. She noted that affordable housing was frequently discussed and would like the discussion to include affordable groceries. She believed that the strike in Southern California has hurt Safeway, Albertson's and Ralph's far more than Wa1Mart was hurting them. She noted that she did not normally shop at WalMart because it was generally inconvenient. She noted that smaller grocery stores were very nice, but many people cannot afford to shop there; she added that the selection was somewhat limited. She noted that there will always be a customer base for WalMart. Commissioner Fox expressed concern that Wa1Mart sold groceries below cost as a loss leader to entice customers to buy other items in the store. Chairperson Roberts advised that other stores did that as well. Commissioner Fox expressed concern that other grocery stores would be forced out of business and that WalMart would then raise the price of the groceries. She noted that had happened in Virginia. Chairperson Roberts noted that would then open the market for another grocery store to compete with WalMart. Commissioner Kameny believed that Chairperson Roberts had valid points regarding the socioeconomic possibilities and inquired where a major superstore would fit in Pleasanton. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Iserson confirmed that the City did not have a limit on what percentage of food items made them a grocery store. If WalMart changed the use entirely to a supermarket, it must obtain a new use permit. Chairperson Roberts advised that Raley's was half gardening and gift items and that the other half was groceries. Commissioner Sullivan advised that was acceptable because gifts and gardening items were taxable. Chairperson Roberts noted that it would be possible to create an ordinance that if a store had been approved for genera] merchandise, the floor space for non-taxable items may not increase beyond a certain percentage. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Maas, Mr. Iserson replied that as far as he knew, Wa1Mart did not have any plans to build a superstore in Pleasanton. They planned to add 5,000 square feet for an employee break room, storage, and other miscellaneous - uses within the area of the previously approved 30,000-square-foot expansion. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February l 1, 2004 Page 13 of 19