Updated 12/16/15 9:30 a.m. CST
The Woodlands-based Coalition Against Wal-Mart is still fighting for ground on aesthetic issues, such as Wal-Mart signs and building design. Initially, the coalition sought to block the construction of the 186,000-square-foot Wal-Mart store planned for Kuykendahl Road and Augusta Pines Drive near Timber Creek Elementary School, but was unsuccessful.
The coalition has made some progress in getting Wal-Mart to address its concerns in regard to improvements in traffic patterns and site plans.
The coalition was organized to fight the construction of a Creekside Park Wal-Mart. It is composed of Creekside Park residents, and a petition supporting the cause has garnered 2,800 resident signatures.
While construction of the store is moving forward, Wal-Mart has agreed to move its auto center to the south side of the store, shifting it farther from Timber Creek Elementary School, said Kira Becker, communications director for the coalition.
“That’s a big win for the coalition because it took the auto center from being right by the school,” Becker said.
Becker said the coalition is also asking that Wal-Mart build the Creekside Park store to resemble the Wal-Mart location on FM 2978. The coalition expressed concerns about canopy coverage after company representatives presented the latest plans for the location at a Creekside Park village association meeting Nov. 4.
“When you look at the actual plans, it appears that there’s actually less buffer and possibly fewer mature trees,” Becker said.
Harris County has been cooperative with the coalition’s requests for traffic and permitting information, said Michael O’Neal, director of information for the coalition.
“We’re seeing positive changes taking place based off the petition [signed by] our 2,800 supporters,” he said.
Wal-Mart met with 10 area homeowners associations and claims the coalition has had no direct influence on its decisions with the Augusta Pines store, said Anne Hatfield, director of communications, Walmart Public Affairs and Government Relations.
"With any project, we proactively met with our neighbors ahead of time and let them know about the products and services we will be offering," Hatfield said.
Becker, however, said that is inaccurate.
"Walmart would be incorrect to say that our Coalition has had no impact on their plans, because we work so closely with our leaders, and they absolutely represent our voice," Becker said. "Our community is unified to find solutions that mitigate risks caused by Augusta Woods Village Walmart development. I have yet to see an issue pull our whole community in North Spring together like this one has."
State Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle and Wal-Mart have both supported the coalition’s efforts. The coalition’s complaints have merit, she said, including those about the appearance of the store, clear-cutting and signage.
“[The coalition does not] want a sign that is so large that it can be seen from a satellite in space,” Riddle said. “We don’t want the astronauts to look down and see Wal-Mart.”
The Creekside Park Wal-Mart is expected to break ground in the first quarter of 2016, O’Neal said. The store is expected to open fall 2016.
