Independence is looking to amend the city’s zoning map to allow for an anticipated grocery store and retail project.
At its Oct. 2 meeting, Independence City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance that would allow for the necessary zoning changes to move the project forward at the northeast intersection of Madison Pike (KY 17) and Harris Pike (KY 536).
The project covers just under 20 acres and would include a 48,387-square-foot grocery store, an attached 3,200-square-foot liquor store, 12,600 square feet of retail space, and a restaurant with a drive-thru that would run about 2,500 square feet. The project also includes an off-street parking space and a new public street providing access off Madison and Harris pikes.
The zoning would change from Neighborhood Commercial and Residential Rural Estate to Community Commercial.
The developer for the project is Crosland Southeast, and the engineering firm is Bayer Becker. Details of what companies will move into the space have not been announced. Jay Bayer, principal for Bayer Becker, said no restaurant has been selected yet for the site.
The Kenton County Planning Commission held a hearing last month and recommended approval. The staff asked the developer to increase some of the buffering around the site. Bayer said the developer will increase the buffering from 10 feet to the required 15 feet.
City council is expected to vote on the zoning amendment at its next meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Independence City Building.