TEHACHAPI, CA- It's a battle that's been going on for for nearly three years. Monday night the Tehachapi planning commission voted to allow Walmart to go ahead with construction on a Supercenter near Tucker Road and West Tehachapi Boulevard.
Some residents said they like the small town feel of their community, but they also feel allowing Walmart to build there will be a big boost for the local economy.
"I would be just as pleased if Walmart did not come to our community because of the fact that we are a small town,” said Chairman Charles White of the Tehachapi Planning Commission. “However there has been a massive outpouring of support from local residents. People want Walmart they want to shop there and for that reason I think it is appropriate for it to be here."
Last year, a judge sided with a group trying to stop Walmart, saying the city of Tehachapi needed a brand new environmental impact report on noise, traffic and water before a new Walmart Supercenter could come to town. The city complied.
"We have enough water not only for this purpose but other growth purposes in the future," White said.
Officials told 17 News they expect Walmart opposition groups to appeal Monday’s decision to the city council.
That could delay construction for a long period of time.
Walmart has not said when they plan to break ground.