Village Moves Forward on Proposed Walmart; Opponents Attend Meeting

Caledonia officials took their first step Tuesday night to determine whether a Walmart is a good fit for the village. 

Village Board and the Plan Commission members held a joint meeting where they heard a presentation from a developer regarding a proposed Walmart at Highway 31 and 4 Mile Road.

Dozens of people attended the presentation by the developer, many opposed to the idea of the big-box retailer moving into the village.  

Libby Cameron, a Caledonia since 1980, described the mood during the presentation as "angry and tense." 

"To have it in a residential area next to a nature preserve is unconscionable," Cameron said. "I think our green space is asset not a liability."

After the meeting and a regularly scheduled Village Board meeting, Village Board President Ron Coutts said the the decision-making process is at its infancy. 

Wal-Mart representatives will hold another presentation for residents on March 28. Coutts will then call a meeting with the Plan Commission and Village Board to discuss the municipality's options as it pertains to Walmart.  

"The sad part is, if we lose this and the citizens push them out the door, that sends a message to all developers not to come to Caledonia anymore," he said. 

The 115,000-square-foot store would be smaller than the typical Walmart. The new store would be at least the 17th Walmart in southeastern Wisconsin, including the second in Racine County.