Over the past few days, opposition to the potential development at Mead and College Avenue has been making itself heard through emails and phone calls to neighbors, which include some of Decatur’s various board members and community leaders.

Residents and board members have reported they’ve had many discussions about the commercial plans for the corner, mainly regarding the renovated space that will house “The Imperial” and the vacant residential lot next door, which the property owner hopes to rezone commercial to accommodate a new grocery store built and operated by the owners of Candler Park Market.

Reasons for opposition have been numerous, from the potential of increased traffic, noise and parking demands, to the safety of children (in regards to the presence of a bar).

While it seems The
Imperial only needs to go before the city for an alcohol license to operate in the existing commercial space currently under renovation, the market plans to request a zoning change – as reported HERE – for the neighboring residential lot, which creates an opportunity for a community debate before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Should be interesting.