The zoning advisory board considered a rezoning request this month for a new grocery store after tabling the request in November. The proposed development is located at the southeast corner of state route 155 and Kelleytown Road.
The ZAB voted 3-2 to recommend approval of the project. The board previously recommended approval of an associated amendment to the comprehensive land use plan. The requests will be scheduled and advertised for an upcoming board of commissioners meeting where a final decision will be made.
JWA Ventures of Montgomery, AL is proposing the grocery-store anchored development with auxiliary shops and two outparcels. JWA Ventures is also the developer behind a new Publix coming soon in the Ola community.
Proposed zoning conditions include prohibiting gas stations and small-box discount stores. The requirements of the highway corridor overlay district also apply to the subject property.
If the request is approved, construction is anticipated to start in late 2020 with the new store opening in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Questions that arose in November included the planned use for seven acres located on the southern end of the property and the property’s access to sewer. The seven acres is considered phase II and, if approved, construction is likely to start in 2022.
The applicant’s preferred use for phase II would be an age-restricted assisted living facility. Other uses could be medical offices, a bank and general office space, or additional retail.
Regarding sewer access to the site, the Henry County Water Authority has directed the land owner to pursue an 8,000′ sewer line extension that would cross approximately fifteen properties. Obtaining easements to construct this has been met with strong opposition from property owners, including at least one owner who has retained legal counsel to represent them. Other connection points are available subject to HCWA approval.
Editor’s note: the article previously incorrectly stated that fifteen (50) properties were involved in the sewer line extension. This has been updated to fifteen (15).
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