New Safeway Store

By Cathy Baylock

The original plans that were denied in 2004 were complicated by two of Safeway's goals: keeping the store open during construction and swapping land with the City in order to reconfigure the parcel to make room for a much larger store. There were many other issues, but I believe those two were the crux of the delays.

After a lengthy Working Group process that reached some excellent conclusions about vehicle access, pedestrian thoroughfares, rooftop parking, open space, protecting heritage trees and a dozen other community concerns, Safeway has submitted a vastly improved design to the Planning department. The plan envisions having the new store fit on land Safeway currently owns so there would not be a land swap. It also envisions the current store being closed for about ten months.

While I cannot take an official position on an application that might come before the city council, I can say that I am impressed with the way Safeway and its architects have addressed a wide variety of the concerns I have had with the previous plan. In February, 2004, when I voted against the first plan, I spoke for 45 minutes about my vision for this project. I believe Safeway listened to our concerns and suggestions and have submitted a far superior plan this time.