“Big Box” Issue In Angels Camp
Angels Camp, CA– The Angels Camp City Council discussed the issue of large format retail or “big box” stores this week.
During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the Council voted 4-1 in favor of limiting the maximum square footage of “big box” stores to 80,000 sq. ft.
According to City Clerk Mary Kelly, Council member Craig Turco cast an opposing vote because of his preference of square footage less than 80,000.
Recently the Council has been debating less about whether to pass an ordinance, and more about the square footage that should be allowed in the city. The City’s Planning Director David Hanham says the question has been whether the maximum square footage should be 45,000 sq. ft., or 80,000 sq. ft.
Sonora businesses like the new Kohl’s and the former Mervyn’s building would be allowed in Angels Camp, as they are both around 60,000 sq. ft. The Sonora Lowe’s (140,000 sq. ft) and Walmart (130,000 sq. ft.) would not be allowed.
The large format retail stores would only be allowed in the Suburban Commercial District of the City, which is primarily near the existing Frog Jump Plaza at the Highway 4/49 intersection.
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
