In an era when wailing and gnashing of teeth seem to accompany every proposal for a Home Depot or Wal-Mart store, some planning commissioners have approved making such “big-box” stores mandatory.

Commissioner Ron Durflinger said the stores are necessary anchors in commercial developments to help smaller stores survive. He proposed a “big-box” requirement for commercial centers like one taking shape at Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive.

“If you don’t do something that creates a draw at a community center, it’s unhealthy for everybody,” Durflinger said.

A planning commission subcommittee revising the commercial chapter of Horizon 2020, the city-county long-range plan, approved the idea Monday afternoon.

But Planning Commissioner Myles Schachter was skeptical.

“You think we should legislate the economics of a shopping center?” he asked Durflinger.

Bryan Dyer, the city’s long-range planner, also questioned the idea.

“What happens when tastes change and people decide they want smaller stores?” Dyer asked.

Durflinger said the comprehensive plan should reflect the realities of modern retailing.

“It’s not perfect,” Durflinger said. “Yes, a ‘big box’ can go out of business. But it does provide stability for a development.”

¢ Download the comprehensive planYou must have Acrobat Reader to view this file.

Commission Chairman Tom Jennings also favored the idea, saying it’s easier to find new tenants for bigger empty buildings.

“I’d rather have that empty Payless Cashways building than a dozen old Pizza Huts,” Jennings said.

Durflinger was unconcerned about vocal opposition to proposals for large retail stores.

“The public tells you they want one thing, then goes out and spends their money another way,” he said.

Revisions to the commercial chapter of Horizon 2020 also clear the way for additional development at Sixth Street and the South Lawrence Trafficway. Commissioners last week approved 30 acres of commercial zoning for a “big-box” store at the southeast corner of the intersection, saying that was the limit they would allow under current rules.

Under the revised version of Horizon 2020, two such stores would be allowed at the intersection. That would permit a proposed commercial development on the intersection’s northeast corner.

Commissioners expect to present their work to the full planning commission early next year; city and county approval would have to follow. The subcommittee’s next meeting is at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18.