Walmart Supercenters Proposed for Fontana

Walmart wants to build two of its supercenters in Fontana, one on the city’s north side, the other on the south.

If approved, the north side Walmart would be developed at the southwest corner of Sierra and South Highland avenues, immediately south of the Foothill Freeway, according to a staff report posted on the city’s website.

The south side Walmart will be built at the southwest corner of Slover and Production avenues, according to a separate report.

The stores, both of which will be surrounded by fast-food restaurants and service stations, will cover approximately 200,000 square feet each.

City officials held public meetings on both projects in March, both of which were sparsely attended, and environmental reports for both are currently being put together, said Orlando Hernandez, senior planner.

However, it will probably take at least six months before either project reaches the planning commission, and construction isn’t likely to start for at least 18 months.

“We’re looking at six to eight months before the environmental impact reports are in place, which is the next step in the process,” Hernandez said. “We need two more planning commission meetings and a city council meeting, and Walmarts usually get some opposition from the public. A year and a half for construction might optimistic.”

Fontana has one regular Walmart, at 17251 E. Foothill Blvd., that has been there for several decades, Hernandez said.