By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter

PLOVER — Plover continues to expand with more developments throughout the village. Plan Commission members unanimously approved site plans for a future Walmart online grocery pickup parking addition with an overhead canopy on Mar. 18.

This parking area will allow guests to order their groceries and other items online and simply check in at Walmart via phone. Supermarket staff will then deliver and load all requested items directly into the patron’s vehicle.

“Walmart is requesting the site plan approval for the addition of 10 parking stalls,” said Plover Community Development Administrator Ryan Kernosky. “Six of which would be covered by a proposed canopy along the south side of their property, adjacent to Common Circle.”

The approval passed with the stipulation that the canopy footing for the new installment must have a setback of 30 feet from the Commons Circle right-of-way. The initially proposed setback distance was 28 feet. A representative from Cyntergy, the company involved in the development with Walmart, was present at the meeting. Officials had no questions. Cyntergy has provided service to Walmart chains for the last 19 years.

A striped lane section will lead to the new parking installment. Officials feel this is a progressive update that will benefit local Plover natives.

“By offering the online grocery pick up to customers, Walmart recognizes the importance of keeping up with new consumer demands and the ever-changing patterns of shopping,” Kernosky said in an interview with the Gazette.

“From the Village’s viewpoint, it indicates to us that Walmart is continuing to commit to our community by investing in their facilities.”

Commission Member Patrick Freund moved for approval of the site plan, and Sherri Teske seconded the motion. Officials are in the process of finalizing exact dates for the development.

Contact Taylor J. Hale at thale@mmclocal.com with Portage County news and information.