Lebanon plans $1.2 million road upgrades for Walmart

The Lebanon City Council is considering spending over $1.2 million on road improvements for State Route 109. This funding is linked to a future Walmart store that has been approved for construction on land near the highway. Supporters of the funding argue that the road upgrades are necessary for safety and will benefit the community. They believe that sales tax revenue from Walmart will help recover the cost within a few years. However, some council members and residents worry about fairness in taxpayer contributions, especially for existing local businesses. On Tuesday, the council voted 4-2 in favor of the first step to fund these improvements. A second vote is still required for final approval. Local business owner Gina Stradley expressed concern for small businesses, stating they contribute significantly to the community. The city plans to partner with developer Wilson Farms for the improvements, not Walmart directly. Councilmember Chris Crowell supported the funding, emphasizing the importance of good investments for future growth. However, some members, like Geri Ashley, voiced hesitation about using taxpayer money for a project benefiting a large corporation like Walmart. The proposed road changes include a new traffic signal and adjustments to turn lanes to improve safety. This stretch of Highway 109 sees about 40,000 vehicles each day. Additionally, Lebanon's existing Walmart is scheduled for a renovation starting in early 2026. The upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Local police reported significant service demands at the current Walmart, highlighting the need for improvements in the area.