City receives word of opening via online information request

Walmart may be opening in West Linn almost a year ahead of schedule.

According to a recent citizen request to the city from Walmart associate Marvin Quaschnick regarding city ordinances, the store is planning a May 30 opening.

The online inquiry asked about ordinances on noise, signs, hours of business and parking lot events.

But whether an official opening date is set remains to be seen. Senior Director of Community Affairs Steven Restivo said in an email sent Monday that there is no grand opening scheduled.

The new Walmart is located in the former Bales market at 19133 Willamette Drive in the Robinwood Shopping Center on Highway 43.

Walmart plans to open one of its neighborhood markets, which represent a scaled-down version of the 185,000-square-foot 'supercenter' stores.

The neighborhood stores are typically 42,000 square feet and sell approximately 29,000 items.

Last month, the city of West Linn approved exterior design changes to the building, including shopping cart corrals, a storage area, a reconfiguration of parking spaces, new lighting and rooftop screening.

In his request, Quaschnick asked about the noise ordinance, as the store will need to 'receive trucks at all hours of the day and/or night.'

According to the city, 'The police monitor the noise from the property line. If the noise source is clearly audible then it is a violation.'

Walmart also might hold an event in the parking lot for its grand opening as well as for future events.

According the request, Walmart is working out of a hiring site at 19153 Willamette Drive and would like to place free-standing signs throughout the parking lot to facilitate applicant parking.

Last fall, Restivo said the store would likely open in early 2013, employing up to 100 people.

It will be a general grocery store with health and beauty products, along with a full pharmacy.

Walmart has 17 supercenters, 14 discount stores and one distribution center in Oregon.

The interiors of the neighborhood markets it plans to open in several cities throughout the metro area will all look similar in layout and design, but the exteriors will reflect the local communities, according to Restivo.

A similar Walmart store is planned in Lake Oswego at 17711 Jean Way, a former Wild Oats Market located off Boones Ferry Road.