The Omaha Planning Board Wednesday approved a new full-service Walmart store at 50th and Ames. The proposal next goes to the City Council for final approval.
The store would feature fresh, affordable food and general merchandise under one roof. The facility is expected to create almost 300 new jobs.
The Planning Board was expected to make recommendations for approval of the TIF redevelopment project plan. This will include the design, layout, site plan, land use and zoning for the store. The board will also address public improvements the store brings to the 50th and Ames area, as well as how this new Walmart complies with the city of Omaha’s master plan for redevelopment.
The store would be approximately 184,000 square feet, including an outdoor garden center, and feature everyday household items, electronics, apparel and a pharmacy, as well as a full line of groceries with fresh produce, meat and dairy products, a bakery and a deli.
The new Walmart would be a part of the shopping center on the northwest corner of 50th and Ames. The new Walmart will replace the old Baker’s supermarket and the existing Family Dollar Store.
Clyde May is investing in his neighborhood. "That's what I'm trying to do. It's an old house, but I'm trying to keep it fixed up best I can."
As for the proposed Walmart, May says, "I think it'd be a good decision, yeah." May helped build the existing building, which used to be Baker's, but has sat empty for some time now.
"I think it will bring more jobs for one thing and probably some more organizations and group meetings or whatever, so everyone can work together."
May has seen the neighborhood decline and experienced more violence, but he has hopes for the future, starting with Walmart. "Our neighborhood around here is not the same anymore, but hopefully this will get a good start."
"We are excited that Walmart is opening a new store in north Omaha,” said Mayor Jim Suttle. “It fills a tremendous retail and grocery need in addition to providing new employment opportunities in an area of our community where the demand for all of these needs is great.”
“Our store is perfect for this community by providing a one-stop shopping destination where Omaha customers can find familiar brands and fresh and affordable food choices at a great value,” said Jim Canney, regional general manager for Walmart stores in Omaha.
