By Kirk Ross
Staff Writer
The developer who lost out on a bid to build a shopping center with a new Harris Teeter on Jones Ferry Road is challenging a decision by the town to limit access to the development off Barnes Street.
NorthWest Properties Group, which had a contract on a 7.7-acre parcel owned by Calvin Mellott and used as a construction material yard, appealed the town’s actions in refusing a connection for patrons to the proposed Shoppes at Jones Ferry from Barnes Street.
The project was to include a 52,250-square-foot Harris Teeter, a 17,550-square-foot building that could house 11 shops and a 7,900-square-foot building that could house five shops. The plan also included roughly 350 parking spaces.
During public hearings on the matter, Barnes Street neighbors queued up to ask the town not to allow the entrance because the intersection was already dangerous because of traffic. The Board of Aldermen eventually approved the shopping center, but required that the Barnes Street access be limited to emergency vehicles only. In a letter to the town and the developer, Harris Teeter officials said the lack of a Barnes Street entrance would be a deal breaker. Harris Teeter made good on its promise and without the anchor tenant, NorthWest did not purchase the property.
Town attorney Michael Brough said last week that the town is compiling materials and records on the project to send to superior court. Brough said a judge will then review the case on the record with no additional testimony.
“What is at issue is whether the applicant gets to keep the permit without the condition that limits access to the project from Barnes Street,†Brough said.