Angels Camp Leaders Discuss Big Box Stores

Angels Camp, Ca — Large format retail, better known as “Big Box Stores,” will likely want to move into Angels Camp in the coming years, and city leaders held a meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss how to manage this type of growth.

A joint meeting between the City Council and Planning Commission was held at the Fire Station.

Some residents told the city leaders that they were concerned that companies, such as Walmart, would have a negative effect on the community. The main argument was that it would be tougher for local businesses to compete.

Others said that they would be open to having a big box store, noting that they are currently forced to drive to places such as Sonora and Jackson to go shopping.

A third opinion that some residents had is that they would be open to large format retail, as long as it is not in or near the historic downtown district.

It was discussed at the meeting that there is not a way to legally ban a particular company from coming into an area, but there are ways to limit where big box stores can locate. One option discussed was whether to limit the square footage allowed for businesses in certain districts.

“There are a number of steps to be taken,” says Vice Mayor Lee Seaton. “We´re working in advance, so hopefully we will be ready when the economy starts improving.”

Angels Camp city leaders indicated that they will continue to seek public opinion on the matter. No official action was taken at Wednesday´s meeting.

Written by BJ Hansen