Longtime vacant lot in midtown Columbus could soon have new life. Here are the details.
Construction could be on the horizon for a Dollar General store in midtown if a rezoning request is approved by Columbus Council next month.
Developers for the retail chain have requested a rezoning from Neighborhood Commercial and Residential Multifamily to a General Commercial zoning so they can construct the store.
The 1.4 acres of land in question are located along the east side of 13th Avenue, bordered to the north by Rhodes Street and the south by 16th Street.
It is located near the intersection of Linwood Boulevard, 13th Avenue and 17th Street.
According to a staff report from the planning department, 75 property owners within 300 feet of the property were notified of the rezoning request, but none contacted the planning department with concerns.
The request received a letter of support from both the board president and the executive director of MidTown Inc., a nonprofit organization formed to advocate for the 6-square-mile area in the city’s core. The organization’s work includes improving and strengthening its neighborhoods and commercial areas.
“We, at MidTown Inc., have reviewed the site plan, the proposed elevations, and other documents, and have had conversations with parties involved, sufficient to enable us to support this development,” the letter reads. “We believe that a Dollar General store at this location will provide convenience and value to our residents and will be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood.”
The letter is signed by Tripp Wade, president of the board of directors, and Julio Portillo, executive director.
The store locator on the Dollar General website shows there are 25 stores within the Columbus and Phenix City, Alabama area. The closest to the proposed site on Rhodes Street is located on Hamilton Road, about a mile and a half away. There is also a Dollar General located on Macon Road.
The planning department staff and Planning Advisory Commission recommended approval of the request, and council will have the final vote in February.