MURPHY (May 4, 2011) The design and engineering consulting firm that has been at the forefront of the proposed development on FM544 and North Murphy Road leading to the construction of a Walmart Department Store near that intersection has requested a one-week extension in order to better meet the requested modifications in the preliminary plan, according to City Manager James Fisher.

“Consultants with Kimley-Horn have asked us to move the second review of the site plan to May 24 in order to give them time to incorporate as much of what they heard from the P&Z Commissioners, the City Council, and significantly, the citizens who expressed their thoughts at the combined meeting last month and the first public hearing,” he said.

Daniel Millner, a principal of the consulting firm, conveyed the request for the additional week, saying that his firm is committed to ensuring that the concerns of the City and its residents are fully vetted and considered.

“We are working diligently in addressing the City’s concerns regarding the building and the site and the additional week will allow us to complete that effort,” said Millner. In his message, Millner, who serves as the direct link to the Walmart Corporation, also asked for a staff-to-staff meeting to clarify the issues prior to the public hearing.

Kimley-Horn’s project manager for the Murphy site, Rusty Prentice, who initiated the request in a formal letter, is preparing new building elevations that will “demonstrate our desire to provide Murphy with a unique Walmart that the City will be proud to have.”

The City Manager’s office is confident that the additional time will result in a concept plan that will satisfy the concerns of the P&Z Commission, and begin to address some of the apprehension expressed by members of the public.

“We are certainly very appreciative of the consultants who took our concerns and ideas back to the Walmart corporate office, and we remain hopeful that our collaborative efforts will result in a plan that we can all be comfortable with,” he said.

The public hearing is now set for Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 206 North Murphy Road.