Atascadero Wal-Mart asks for map deadline extension

Wal-Mart has asked for a deadline extension for its controversial Atascadero project.

The national chain requested to extend its July 11 expiration date of its previously approved tentative parcel map to give the company more time to process its final parcel map (processing includes approving and recording tax bond certificates, subdivision agreements and bonding, among other considerations) according to a city news release.

The final map was due to be considered at the City Council on Tuesday, but has been delayed by about two to three months, the release read.

It is unclear whether this would delay construction on the project.

In March, city officials said they expected construction on the 129,500-square-foot project would begin in late summer, depending on permitting for the building, with an opening sometime in 2017.

The development has drawn both support and criticism, as well as several years of court battles that ended in 2014.

This story was originally published June 27, 2016 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Atascadero Wal-Mart asks for map deadline extension."