Walmart Presents Expansion Plans For Groton Store

Walmart outlined its expansion plans to the Groton Planning Commission Tuesday night, and they include a grocery area, fewer parking spaces and landscaping around the front of the store.

The store on Gold Star Highway would be expanded by almost 40,000 square feet, adding about one-third more retail space to the building.

Most of the expansion would be done on the right side of the store, and would take up parking spaces that are not being used. When finished, the store would be almost 160,000 square feet, including a fenced-in garden area with a canopy and vestibule entryway.

Construction would be completed in nine to 12 months after breaking ground, company representatives said.

Planning commission members said they want to see more shade trees in the parking area and a better plan for pedestrians walking from the parking lot to the store. The current plan would add handicapped ramps and a path along the center of the lot, but commissioners pointed out that the path leads to the middle of the store, and the entrances are on either side.

 “I can’t picture using that,” said Commissioner Hal Zod, adding, “walkways don’t really take you where you need to be.”

Commissioner Peter Roper said he’s pleased to see the company expanding.

“I’m glad you’re reusing the site, redeveloping an existing site," he said. "I think that’s commendable." But he added, “I think shade trees in parking lots are very important.”

The company’s plan called for fir trees, other small trees about five feet high and raised planters.

Planning commissioners said they’d also like a better plan for connecting Stop & Shop and Walmart.

The commission is expected to vote on Walmart’s final plans before the end of the month. The Department of Public Works, Groton Utilities and the Department of Health have already signed off on the plan.

Walmart completed an $800,000 upgrade to the Groton store in 2008. The building is on an 18-acre site.