Publix, there is a reason other major brands have not located in the South Broad Street corridor. Take it from them and move on. You don't have time for this hassle.
As a Southside resident I would enjoy having you on South Broad, but will continue to navigate over to North Chattanooga where you have fit in nicely and where several of my friends from Saint Elmo shop regularly. I've also shopped your new stores on Gunbarrel and in North Georgia. Very impressive and great additions to their neighborhoods.
We can only imagine your reaction when less than 100, maybe even less than 50, people hold up your latest project over issues regarding the number of windows providing natural light (not the beer), how close to a sidewalk they think you should be and whatever else is on their list of objections.
Walk away Publix. You don't deserve the hassle. Leave South Broad alone. If the stars align, we could get a small strip center with a 24-hour coin laundry, a check cashing store and a nail salon. Lord knows we need more of each.
The people most hurt are Cindy and Jeff, who poured their lives into that location investment for decades. Sadly, they are being denied the right to sell their property to a good corporate, philanthropic company. My hope is that they get the reward they deserve for having been great supporters of their community. Maybe they can sell for another convenience store. If so, I hope it's a Wa-Wa.
Garry Mac
Chattanooga Southside
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Dear Publix
While we would be thrilled to have your store located on South Broad, there is a fantastic alternative just a few miles away. Have you considered scenic, welcoming and growing Lookout Valley?
Residents would be thrilled and honored beyond measure for one of your fine, upscale groceries in our area. We have such a diverse and varied population that I'm certain your store would be a hit!
From Black Creek Mountain, Brown's Ferry Landing, Elder Mountain, TVA, Elder Cove, The North End of the Valley's timeless neighborhoods to all kinds of homes in between, all would welcome you with open arms. Plus, we have around 15 hotels and about as many churches. We have great interstate access and so much more to offer. Plus, our proximity to Georgia and Alabama would bring in more diverse shoppers.
We are starving for an alternative to the only big box grocery choice we have. If the zoning won't go through, give us a call. We'll be waiting!
Ricky & T.J. Hendricks Smith
Lookout Valley/Tiftonia