After four months of discussing numerous plans for a new grocery store, the North Shore Design Committee decided to go ahead with the latest plans.
Brandi Hill, North Shore Design Review Committee Member said, "The intent of the North Shore Design Review Committee was to preserve the development that has already been started in the North Shore. It's to maintain that integrity." The Committee voted six to one on new plans that include extended retail space. Hill was the only member who voted no. Hill said, "I think its important that we stick to those guidelines and make sure that the development that's proposed is going to be giving back to the community in generations once the current tenants move on to other things."
The proposed new Publix development will be located on the corner of North Market Street and East Manning Street. Some community members welcome the new grocery store. Harry Powell, Grocery Store supporter, "We need to do whatever we need to do. I have looked at the plans. They look good to me. I know I've talked to a lot of my neighbors, and we really need this project to go ahead and be completed."
One urban designer expressed his thoughts regarding the parking lot layout said, "All this small group is asking for is to give up some parking spaces and plant trees and grass instead. We can even hold off on it for a year until Publix is certain they don't need that extra thirty to thirty five parking spaces." City Councilwoman Deborah Scott thinks there is a demand for this development. Scott said, "We think there is a need for this. We think it will be a win for the city from a tax perspective. A win for the residents from a health perspective. A win for businesses around."
The committee also approved plans for lighting, elevation and landscape. There will be a demolition of four buildings for the new construction of the retail, grocery store and parking lot in the coming days.
