April 22, 2011 – Concerned with its impact on traffic, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly has told constituents he is opposed to a Walmart Express that may be coming to River North.

On April 13, Crain’s Chicago Business reported the retail giant is planning a 14,300 square foot “mini Walmart” that would carry mostly groceries. It would take over space previously used as an art supply store at 225 West Chicago Avenue, just west of Wells Street.

No parking would be available, but the proposed location is near a Brown Line stop.

(Above) Google Maps view of West Chicago Avenue and North Franklin Street.

In his weekly newsletter, Reilly says his opposition to the Walmart is “based on his concerns regarding traffic impacts, lack of parking storage, and its proximity to important (and busy) CTA bus lanes and stops.”

Reilly points out no zoning issues are involved and he cannot prevent the store from signing a lease, but he has “offered to assist Walmart in identifying a more suitable location near downtown that does not present such major infrastructure difficulties for the surrounding neighborhood.”

Six new Walmarts are planned for Chicago, including a larger grocery store at Presidential Towers in the West Loop.