Lowe's files application for Vallejo site

Lowe's files application for Vallejo site
Posted: 06/09/2009
By Rachel Raskin-Zrihen/Times-Herald, Vallejo

Home improvement retail giant Lowe's has filed an application with Vallejo to build a store on Columbus Parkway near Ascot Parkway, city officials said.

The site is about a half-mile from Vallejo's Home Depot.

A company spokeswoman cautioned that an application doesn't necessarily mean a store is coming to Vallejo.

"We are always evaluating potential sites to best serve our customers," spokeswoman Maureen Rich said. "However, the real estate process can be lengthy and sometimes complex. It's our policy not to comment about specific sites Lowe's may be considering unless we have closed on all real estate matters. We have not done that in Vallejo."

The application Lowe's filed with Vallejo on Monday is not complete, and the firm must prepare an Environmental Initial Study, Vallejo planning department's Bill Tuikka said. The main issue is likely to be traffic, he added.

The proposal must then go through architectural and planning commission review, and once approved, move to the Building, Public Works, Water, Sanitation & Flood and Fire departments for construction design review, Chief Building Official Gary West said.

City officials have been working to bring Lowe's to Vallejo for several weeks, West said.

"We've met with them on their preliminary design about a month ago, and are waiting for a project proposal with the changes we recommended," he said.

If built, the Vallejo Lowe's would create up to 175 jobs, most full-time, Rich said.

The prospect of a Lowe's is a piece of good news at a time when good news is at a premium, said Vallejo Chamber of Commerce President Rick Wells.

"I'm very excited to hear about that," Wells said. "It's great news and we're looking forward to assisting them in any way we can as they move forward with their investment in Vallejo."