When I was seated as Mayor on December 1st, 2015 I made a promise to the people of Desert Hot Springs to set direction and give every item a fair debate. I asked every large developer to meet with me and explain why they are not moving thier project and what Desert Hot Springs could do to assist. Well below is the results of multiple meetings with Walmart. I explained they needed to make a decision to develop, or not, followed with an announcement. Today, I happy to say they have made a decision. In June of this year the city council will make a decision to either adopt the initiative or to send to the voters in November. I look forward to a decision by the city council, or the voters, in the near future.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Delia Garcia
Phone: 602.819.9170
With Overwhelming Community Support, Walmart Takes New Shopping Center Anchored by Walmart to the People
Encourages residents to sign petition, support new retail, and jobs in Desert Hot Springs.
Desert Hot Springs, CA (March 3, 2016) – After several years of working with the community to bring a new shopping development anchored by a Walmart Supercenter to Desert Hot Springs, Walmart is taking the proposal directly to the voters utilizing the Initiative process. The proposed shopping development has been met with broad community support by residents who want to expand local retail and dining opportunities, better access to healthy and affordable groceries, good new jobs, and increased tax revenue.
The shopping development, Camino Palms Center, is proposed for a vacant site just west of Palm Drive at Camino Aventura in Desert Hot Springs. It includes Walmart as the anchor tenant along with up to 4 additional retail and/or restaurant uses and is consistent with City requirements and design guidelines.
“A Walmart-anchored retail center in Desert Hot Springs will boost our local economy,” added Mayor Scott Matas, “It will generate much-needed local tax revenue, hundreds of good new jobs, and help attract additional new businesses to our community. I have always supported smart growth, and the proposed shopping development is clearly a good opportunity for our community.”
“We are proud of the community’s continued support of our proposed development and are working to make it a reality by taking the decision directly to local voters. We have heard from nearly 2,000 residents that a Walmart along with additional retail and restaurants would be welcome in DHS,” said Phil Serghini, Director of Public Affairs for Walmart Stores Inc.
“Every year, our city is losing millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to communities across the freeway. Having a new shopping development in DHS will help keep tax revenue in the city to help support vital public services such as police, fire and emergency services,” stated Initiative Proponent Courtney “Court” Moe, a longtime resident of DHS, civic leader and retired business owner. In FYE 2014, approximately $27 million was spent by DHS residents at Walmart stores in neighboring cities.
Desert Hot Springs residents interested in signing the petition are encouraged to do so at the Palm Springs Walmart. Circulators will be collecting signatures in front of the store throughout the weeks ahead. Residents can also call 760-676-9226 to schedule an appointment with a circulator.
Additional Walmart Information:
· A new Walmart will bring approximately 300 new jobs and approximately 100 temporary construction jobs to Desert Hot Springs.
· The average wage for full-time hourly associates in California is $13.69 per hour.
· About 75% of Walmart store management teams started as hourly associates, and they earn between $50,000 and $170,000 a year — similar to what firefighters, accountants, and even doctors make.
· Last year, Walmart promoted nearly 200,000 people to jobs with more responsibility and higher pay.
· Eligible Walmart associates receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes matching up to 6% into a 401(k) program.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.:
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 260 million customers and members visit our more than 11,600 stores under 72 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With the fiscal year 2015 revenue of $485.7 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting https://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at https://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/walmart.