Mike Price, member of the development team for a proposed Publix in St. Elmo, said the grocery will apply for a variance to allow it under the current Urban General Commercial (UGC) zone.

He also said one of two driveways planned to cross the new section of Riverwalk along St. Elmo Avenue near Broad will be eliminated.

Mr. Price said plans are being formulated to add some space for shops along Broad Street.

The development team said earlier that Commercial-2 zoning was needed for the project and it was not feasible to add the shop space up next to the street.

The four-acre site near the foot of Lookout Mountain includes the former Mt. Vernon Restaurant and Pizza Hut.

A number of St. Elmo residents said they wanted the Publix, but said it should be developed under UGC with an urban design - not "a big box with parking in front."

Mr. Price told members of the St. Elmo community group:

Please be advised that the development team has met with the RPA staff to discuss the appropriate steps for the proposed "high end grocery" moving forward. Based upon that meeting the following has occurred:



1) The Owners and Developer are attempting to develop the project under the current UGC zone .



2) The Owners and Developer have applied for a variance to the RPA asking for a building size variance which would allow the proposed approximate 32,000 square foot building to be constructed. It is anticipated that this will be heard by the Planning Commission on July 9th.



3) There are ongoing discussions with regards to the site plan and revisions with City staff. What has been agreed to is that the proposed driveway (nearest the intersection of St. Elmo Avenue and South Broad Street) has been eliminated. This means only one driveway now onto St. Elmo Avenue and the Riverwalk. In place of this driveway, now a right turn out only onto South Broad Street will be located along the southern portion of the parking lot.



4) The development team is looking at placing retail shops along South Broad Street between the main entrance from South Broad and West 35th Street. Once plans are further developed we will share them at that time.