The Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a plan for a new AutoZone this week.
The planned development would see a new retail store at 839 Eastland Drive, near Gerbes. The building is expected to be around 7,400 square feet and would add an additional lot to the one that already exists on site.
The commission Thursday unanimously moved to recommend approval of the final subdivision plat as well as a planned unit development -- a zoning policy that redefines the use of a land area -- with the condition of a zoning district to determine permitted uses, signage and lighting. Staff previously recommended the approval of both items after extensive review.
Wesley Berlin, owner of consultant group Spartan Engineering Solutions, touted the project before the commission as an opportunity to make use of available space through a low-impact store.
"I think overall this is a great project," Berlin said. "We're filling in that vacant portion of this development. It's a busy development, it seems like it's really thriving, and I think this is going to be a nice addition. ... It's a great site, great location. AutoZone is certainly optimistic. They think they're going to do very well here; they're projecting a very successful store. It's very positive project all the way around."
Berlin noted the store would be all retail sales with no outdoor storage or oil change bays required.
Shane Wade, a civil engineer for the city, said the driveway to the proposed store was located on a neighboring residential property, though the development was contained within a commercial plot. The maintenance of the driveway falls to the residential owners, he said.
He also said the development's stormwater system would be tied in with an existing network, and with utilities already active in the area it was "an ideal spot for development."
The proposal now heads to the City Council, where it is expected to be introduced June 6.