Developers of a planned Publix grocery in St. Elmo said at a Thursday night public meeting that no way was ever found to place the store in an "urban form" up next to Broad Street.
Mike Price said, "You can't force the building up against the road and make it work. A lot of people have tried a lot of designs, but it just doesn't work."
He also said that Publix would be the only tenant on the triangular site and there is not room for several small stores as sought by some residents.
Officials said there will be heavy screening, including a green hedge and trees stretching seven feet high. There will also be tree islands in the parking lot.
A request to rezone the property at the former Mount Vernon restaurant goes before the Planning Commission on Monday at 1 p.m. at the County Courthouse.
The staff of the Regional Planning Agency is recommending denial, saying the proposal should have the urban form sought by some residents.
The final decision will be by the City Council.
On the other hand, a number of those at the meeting were in support of the proposal as submitted. One woman said, "This is so exciting. This is going to bring in everybody."
Mr. Price said owners Jeff and Cindy Messenger have turned down several proposals for the site, including a fast food restaurant and a convenience store with gas pumps.
He said the C-2 zoning would meet most of the Urban General Commercial requirements, and he said it would be limited to a grocery store only.
An opponent of the C-2 zoning said it is not in keeping with the recently issued South Broad Street plan.
A man said a walk along South Broad "is not fun. It's not dignified.
Another said those making the pitch for Publix at the meeting at Calvary Chapel need better PR. He said, "You suck."
He said, "I like Publix, but I guarantee you we are going to fight this to the end."