The Lake Elsinore Planning Commission voted to continue consideration of a conditional use permit and commercial design review for a proposed Walmart gasoline station and convenience store at 29260 Central Avenue to a future date so staff and the applicant can further evaluate on‑ and off‑site traffic mitigation.

Sophia Tatlin, a contract planner with the Community Development Department, summarized the application and staff recommendation. The project would occupy about 1.1 acres within the existing Walmart Supercenter site and, as described in the staff presentation, would include eight multi‑product dispensers (16 fueling positions) beneath a 5,419‑square‑foot canopy and an associated convenience store. Tatlin told the commission staff supports approval with clarifying modifications to two conditions in the draft resolution and a traffic management plan requirement prior to grading.

Ryan Alvarez, a civil engineer with Kimley‑Horn representing the applicant, described mitigation measures the team has proposed. Alvarez said the project includes both on‑site and off‑site measures; off‑site mitigation could include signal‑timing adjustments and on‑site measures would be handled through a traffic management plan and directional signage.

Commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about site saturation and worsening congestion along Central Avenue and near the Walmart shopping center. Several commissioners noted recent and proposed nearby projects — including other fuel stations and residential developments — and said they feared the certified EIR and earlier traffic analyses predated conditions that now exist on the corridor. One commissioner asked why the gasoline option, evaluated and previously rejected in the EIR process, is being reconsidered now.

Staff requested additional time to work with the applicant on circulation and mitigation. Commissioner Peters moved for a continuance to a future meeting; Commissioner Carroll seconded. The motion carried and the hearing was continued; the commission suggested December as a possible return date to allow more time for staff and the applicant to present additional traffic mitigation options.

The continuance preserves the commission’s ability to review refined on‑ and off‑site mitigation measures and any required traffic engineer conditions before taking a final vote.