A petition was launched earlier against rezoning a St. Elmo site from Urban General Commercial to C-2 for a new Publix grocery.

Now a rival petition is underway that is in favor of the rezoning as requested by Publix.

The older petition is up to 755 signers, while the new one is at 55.

Both groups indicate they want the Publix at the site of the former Mt.

Vernon Restaurant. The UGC group wants it built up close to the road. The developer said that would not work and that the store needs to be much larger than UGC allows.

The case goes before the Planning Commission on June 11 and arrives at the City Council in July.

The new petition says:

Publix and a local developer wish to build and integrate a brand new grocery store on the land. They have requested a zoning change which would allow them to build in a Suburban form which has the parking in front of the store.... To which we are accustom. The store entrance would face Lookout Mountain.

There is opposition to this request based on fears of additional traffic, not being bike friendly, changes to Riverwalk extension, the design would not integrate well and that this addition would put pressure on Food City. We feel that Publix has always shown themselves as a responsible designers that create inviting, aesthetically pleasingly and functional facilities that benefit the areas they open in. Looking at North Chattanooga, the design would be similar and that has become a major asset to that area. We deserve the same opportunity!

If the rezoning is not granted we will likely lose this opportunity and will again be passed over for progress on South Broad Street. What will likely be built there will be more 4 story apartments that further cut away into the beauty of the mountain and another piece of the "Scenic City" will be available to only those who can afford the high rise condo/apartment. The representative for Publix was very clear at the St. Elmo neighborhood meeting in May that the "UGC" urban design code currently zoned is simply not feasible as it restricts the size available to build by less than half the size they need of 32,000 square feet to build the proposed complex. We believe that Publix and the zoning variation should be granted. With the assistance of traffic engineers, the riverwalk designers and Publix we have faith that this would be a valuable asset and lifeline to the residents surrounding South Broad Street. Looking around the country at Publix facilities you will see that they are well maintained, well paying and economically beneficial to the communities they choose to be part of.

Pushing away a potential like this for not only St. Elmo but, Alton Park, Lookout Valley and the thousands of commuters and tourists, due to a zoning issue (that has so far not been developed under in this area) is sending a clear message that we are not willing to compromise toward or accept progress here. And that is a dangerous and irresponsible message that could have dire consequences for this areas future. We must think of all our neighbors... There are those of limited mobility, advanced age, restricted transportation and those who simply cannot make the trek up to Food City and would welcome and utilize a reputable, fine grocer such as Publix.

In conclusion, we ask that the rezoning request be permitted if there is no way to accommodate existing guidelines and that Publix is allowed to build the best facility that they can offer our side of town. Thank you.

The new petition is here.

The earlier petition wanting to keep UGC zoning says:

Just as a new vision for South Broad Street has been announced and acclaimed, a developer is putting that vision in jeopardy. Should the developer get his way, the quality of life in and around South Broad and St. Elmo will be at risk, the opportunities for economic growth in the area will be diminished, and potential tax revenues will go away forever.



The developer’s plan is to put in a store with a massive parking lot in front, just as they would in a strip mall in the suburbs. Doing that in an area that has strong potential to increase in value dramatically in coming years is short-sighted. Sprawl development provides 25% or less of the tax revenue that mixed-use development brings. We are not against having a Publix but rather the proposed style of Publix. A suburban-style Publix with a sprawling parking lot doesn’t belong on South Broad, but the more urban model that Publix has successfully followed in other cities does, like this one in Knoxville. Click on the slideshow below to see more details.

South Broad Rezoning Details

The final Riverwalk section is scheduled to run directly adjacent to this site and will connect the St. Elmo, Mountain View Court and the 100 @ South Broad neighborhoods to each other, to the South Broad mixed-use corridor, and to Downtown. The rezoning the developer has applied for will jeopardize the future of responsible development on South Broad—improvements that will have a positive impact on livability and on the tax base, that will promote walking and bicycling and a stronger sense of neighborhood. The rezoning would also set a precedent that could apply to the entire South Broad district. We do not want strip malls on South Broad. We do not want more fast food restaurants and gas stations. We want an attractive setting that will encourage new residential and mixed-use development and improve our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren.

Sign this petition to to ask our community leaders to reject the rezoning request and require the developer to build according to the adopted and established urban plans and zoning for this great urban street.

The petition is here.