The debate over a new grocery story coming to northern Chatham County will continue Monday night.

As part of a packed agenda, Chatham County Commissioners are set to hold a public hearing on a request to rezone an approximately 27-acre property to bring a development anchored by a grocery store.

The property is currently zoned residential and is located along the 15-501 corridor between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill. Charlotte-based Morgan Property Group is putting the proposal forward calling for several retail facilities, anchored by a 50,000-square-foot grocery store – which WRAL is reporting is expected to be a Publix.

The location at the intersection of 15-501 and Polks Landing Road is across the highway from the Chatham Downs development, which is anchored by a Harris Teeter.

The proposal has drawn concern from some neighbors, who have put out signs asking that the property not be rezoned. They say they are concerned it will change the rural character of their homes.

But the developers are saying that the area needs the project to promote more competition among retail options. The plans also point toward the number of residential developments already approved in the area, saying these services will be necessary to provide enough options for future residents.

The Chatham Park development is also thought of during any planning in the county as it is projected to increase the population of Pittsboro from approximately 4,000 to over 60,000 over the next 30 years.

The plans also point to the proposed location as an ideal position as it is on the “going home” side of 15-501 for those who commute to work in Chapel Hill.

The proposal has gone before a Chatham County advisory board on multiple occasions and approximately 22 residents attended a community meeting in April to discuss the project. Officials say the major topics of discussion were maintaining a buffer between the development and nearby homes, increased traffic and routes delivery trucks would use.

The public hearing for the grocery store-anchored development is set for six o’clock at the Historic Courthouse Courtroom in Pittsboro.

Photo via Chatham County

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