It was standing room only last week when more than 100 local residents crammed into - and spilled out of - Signal Mountain Town Hall in a show of opposition against a rezoning request that could bring a "big box" grocery store to property behind Signal Crossing shopping center.
The request was made by The Keith Corporation, which also owns the shopping center. If approved, the 8.5-acre lot at 617 Cauthen Way would be rezoned from low-density residential to highway commercial, making it suitable for TKC to build its proposed 40,000-square-foot store on a paved lot stretching about 3 acres.
One by one, residents took the stand to voice concerns about increased traffic congestion and negative environmental impacts, but the most common frustration was that a box store would detract from Signal Mountain's small-town feel.
"This was your vision for our community, but it's not our vision," town resident Wendi Morgan said at the public forum Aug. 9.
Residents stranded outside Signal Mountain Town Hall strain to hear a public feedback forum regarding a developer's proposal to build a "big box" grocery store nearby. With the meeting room packed, many attendees were left to look and listen in from outside. (Staff photo by Myron Madden)
This property, at 617 Cauthen Way, could soon hold a grocery store, should town of Signal Mountain officials approve a developer's rezoning request. (Staff photo by Myron Madden)But Knox Campbell of TKC said a new grocery store could be beneficial for the entire town, in part by drawing more foot traffic to local businesses.
"If we can just keep 10 percent more people on the mountain buying things, I think it's going to help every small business up here," said Campbell, who grew up in the town. "I mean, how could it not?"
Still, some residents, like Thomas Prettyman, said they were unconvinced the store would add value to the community, pointing out that they were content with shopping off the mountain and alluding to commercial properties like the former Family Diner and Olive Bean that now sit empty.
"I think that you see a potential for there to be business, but what we see is a risk that it's going to be abandoned at some point and we're going to have a giant empty concrete building in our backyard," Prettyman said.
With talk of abandoned businesses came overwhelming support for Pruett's Market just across the street, which attendees feared would be threatened by a big box competitor.
"Pruett's is a good neighbor," said planning commission member Van Bunch, reading a statement from his wife, Corinne. "You ask for a donation, they say 'yes.' You need snacks donated, they say 'yes.' You want to have a farmers market in the parking lot for free, they say 'yes.' This store would put them out of business. What a way to say 'thank you' for a good neighbor."
But not everyone at the meeting was opposed to the proposal.
With discount grocer Aldi set to plant a new store at the bottom of the mountain, Signal resident David Dolan said more shoppers may soon draw away from Pruett's regardless. But an upgraded shopping center, he added, would increase the town's tax base.
"The tax base has to grow every year in order to provide all the services," Dolan said in a follow-up interview, pointing to recreational amenities like the town swimming pool. "I just feel that this is a perfect opportunity for the town to reach a compromise with the developers and plan something nice."
Some attendees also pointed out that this wasn't the first time the community has opposed a development they would later come to appreciate, listing the Walmart at the foot of the mountain as one example.
"Change is good," said Jeff Wishmyer, who identified his position on the issue as "neutral." "I remember when they broke ground for Walmart and the common conversation was 'you'll never see me in there.'"
Others, though opposed to the big box store, indicated they were not entirely against a commercial development on the property.
Ryan Walker of Kentucky Avenue encouraged TKC to return with a more compelling plan that takes the wishes of the community into account, and Anne Hagood of James Boulevard suggested TKC alter its plans to something that was more fitting to the town, such as a series of smaller shops, a mixed-use development or a wetland area that could be used as an educational tool for local students.
"I am not opposed to new development," Hagood told the developer. "I think that, done right, this piece of property could be a crown jewel for Signal Mountain and your own portfolio. I just think you can do better than this."
The rezoning request will be brought before the planning commission Sept. 7 for a recommendation for or against, before being passed to the Signal Mountain Town Council for a final vote.