Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/12/2010 06:34:07 PM PST

SAN BERNARDINO – Wal-Mart executives are planning to expand the retailer’s store in northeastern San Bernardino, but an attorney with offices in Upland and San Diego has filed an appeal to block the project.

Wal-Mart is seeking to expand its store near the crossing of Highland and Boulder avenues. If the company completes its plans, the store would grow from its current size of about 130,000 square feet to more than 171,000 square feet.

The added floor space would make it possible for the store to sell groceries from the location.

The San Bernardino Planning Commission approved Wal-Mart’s plans in November on the condition that the store maintain its opening hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. instead of the 24-hour schedule initially requested by Wal-Mart.

Environmental reviews concluded expansion would generate heavy traffic through the intersections of Highland and Boulder avenues, Boulder and Pacific Street and Boulder and Base Line.

Attorney Cory Briggs, writing that he represents a group called Citizens for Responsible Equitable Environmental Development, or Creed, filed an appeal of the commission’s decision.

The City Council is scheduled to hear the appeal when it meets Tuesday. A Wal-Mart spokesman accused Briggs of slowing his employer’s ability to hire new workers.

“Appeals by any one or any organization only hurt San Bernardino residents by delaying low prices and delaying new jobs,” spokesman John Mendez said.

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