That is the number that a proposed WalMart store is now limited to in it’s quest to move into the resistant and business-saturated neighborhood of Lakeview. The space limitation to 33,395 square feet is part of the “restrictive covenant” that the South East Lake View Neighbors Association (SELVN) presented at a meeting Monday night. WalMart and 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney have agreed to it, which now means the retail giant can be sued if it violates by expanding.

The bad news is that WalMart is only seeking a 31,000 square-foot urban concept store anyway. Branded as “WalMart Market” at 2840 N. Broadway, the restriction is not likely to affect the seemingly impending store. Worse, WalMart reportedly would not agree to another proposal by the neighborhood association that would have forced them to keep the proposed store open until the theoretical lease is expired. In the past, WalMart has shut down under-performing stores but continued the lease to prevent competitors from the space.

SELVN has an advisory role in the proposed store, and by a vote of 25 to 4, overwhelmingly voted against the plan. Tunney, who has been pushed by these constituents to fight against the WalMart store and has been noticeably silent on his stance in the past, said he remained neutral on the proposal. He also said critics were “discriminating” against the corporation, a sentiment echoed by a Tribune editorial. Tunney said he wants the store’s merchandise to be 75  percent to 80 percent groceries and will visit a replica store in Indianpolis for review.