The City Council will take the proposal before residents for public comment and may even vote to approve or deny the site plan.

One council member said it would take something "pretty radical" to alter his support for the store.

"Quite frankly, a lot of the work has already been done," Councilman Joel Wright said. "There have been a whole lot of chances for different angles of input, and I think all of us have completed a substantial portion of our due diligence."

During a round of public remarks before the Planning Commission in February, several residents expressed concern over the store's size, lighting, traffic, noise and overall look. After further studies and tweaks to the 123,000 square-foot store plan - it would expand to about 132,000 square feet in warmer seasons with the added on outdoor garden center - the commission recommended the site plan be approved.

Wal-Mart agreed to expand the colonial look to better fit in with the Cedar Hills community.

Council members are reserving most of their comments for tonight's meeting. But as far as the look goes, one says Wal-Mart has made significant strides.

"There is still plenty of discussion as far as their proposal. But as far as the look, everyone is satisfied," Councilman Jim Perry said. "It captures that colonial look well, which is a challenging thing for a building like that. The building is more attractive. . . . I think it looks great."

Wright agreed, saying Cedar Hills is getting the nicest Wal-Mart in Utah.

He acknowledged it is important to mitigate as many negative effects as possible, but added that many residents are anxious for a close place to shop and a source of income for the city.

Wright said the Wal-Mart would give Cedar Hills one of the strongest sales-tax bases among Utah County's small cities.

He added that most of those upset with the proposal are the one-quarter of Cedar Hills' residents who live near the site, at 4700 West and Cedar Hills Drive.

"That place has been zoned commercial for years, and we have managed to chase off two attempts at commercial developments there in the past," Wright said.

Perry referred to a recent survey, saying the majority of residents want commercial development. He added that is reflected in the limited feedback the council has seen from residents.

Wright said it is time for Cedar Hills to establish a sales-tax base.

"The times they are a-changing, and our location is not as strong as some cities like Lehi and Highland. I would hope we would be able to take action tonight."

Meanwhile, Perry said a desire for revenue is not driving the decision.

"This is a property owner that wants to develop their property, and they have certain rights to do that. The city has the responsibility to make sure they comply with zoning laws," he said.

sgehrke@sltrib.com