Zoning change paves path to CVS Pharmacy

Plans to build a new CVS Pharmacy at North 28th Street and Tower Avenue got a nod of approval from the city council this week.

Councilors approve a zoning change that paves the way for Velmeir Development to move ahead with plans to purchase five homes and a commercial development to build the new 14,000 square foot building and site for CVS.

Over the last year and a half Velmeir has been working with commercial and homeowners in the area to secure purchase agreements; they have affected purchase agreements with all them, said Port and Planning Director Jason Serck.

The rezoning affects the homes on North 28th Street and Banks Avenue to be purchased by Velmeir. The zoning is changing from residential to commercial highway.

During a public hearing this week, no one spoke out against the zoning change. Residents living in the area did address the Plan Commission in September spoke in favor of the project because lighting and landscaping plans are expected to protect the neighborhood from the negative effects of nearby commercial development.

“One of the concerns I had was the neighbors along Banks Avenue,” Serck said. He said the plan includes extensive tree planting, a trash enclosure.

The plan includes a drive through.

While the council will consider vacating an alley at its next meeting, Nov. 15, plans include developing a new alley to serve the neighborhood and commercial properties to the north.

“We don’t want dead end alleys,” Serck said. “That’s not what we do. We don’t want to drive something in and have to back it out in emergency situations.

CVS won’t have access to the alley or Banks Avenue. Entrances to the parking around the building will be on Tower Avenue and Banks Avenue. The number of entrances to the new pharmacy will be reduced from those that exist near the intersection now.

“It all meets the criteria that we set out,” Serck said. “I think it’s a great plan. It sets traffic patterns back far enough off the intersection.”

Construction at the site is expected to begin next spring.

Tags: news, health, money, family, food