FeedsKroger delays downtown Belleville plans
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Walker Development and the Belleville Downtown Development Authority unveiled their major development plans for the area, again, which could include retail and residential works along Main StreetResident Midge Artley only needed two words to describe the proposed development for downtown Belleville: horrible location.
“They want to tear the center of Belleville out and leave it so it’s like a slice of an orange,” she said. “In the center of Belleville there’s 100 year-old homes and beautiful maple trees and those would be torn out for a parking lot.
“It’s an awful location,” she added.
Artley was one of hundreds to attend the open house hosted by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Tuesday to introduce the Walker Development. The project was first announced in January and, has proposed retail stores with second and third floor residential, along the west side of Main Street between Fifth and Third Streets; a 72,000 square foot Kroger grocery store on Third Street and municipal parking from Roys Street to Third Street, behind the stores on Main Street.
Recently, however, Kroger announced that they are looking to open a Belleville location in 2012, instead of the anticipated 2010-2011 date. Carol Thompson, administrative coordinator for the development authority, said it only gives the group more time to answer questions, such as what will happen to the library and what to do about traffic.
“We were told they’re pushing back a number of their capital improvement plans and projects because of the economy,” said Thompson. “They are still committed to the project, though. The whole development is connected and tied to each other. The residents are attracted to the Kroger and the plan will move forward together.”
Gary Snarski, DDA board member, said there have been many changes from the initial project.
“I have mixed emotions about it because in one respect, it’s good because we had to answer a lot of questions, but on the other hand, it’s not happening,” he said. “Belleville needs something to attract people to make a viable city. If you look at Main Street at 5 p.m. two years ago and today, it’s like night and day.
“We need more retail, more restaurants, more boutiques for people to come and walk and shop,” he added. “People want to come to downtown to shop.”
Museum Director Diane Wilson said the historical society has concerns with the project, too, particularly with the old fire station the museum uses for storage.
Artley, who wants to retain the original character of Belleville, suggested that Walker Development contact Davenport Brothers Construction about the Amerman property in downtown Belleville. It would be enough room for a project with a smaller grocery store, she said.
“Leave the center of downtown intact,” said Artley, a resident of 90 years. “They’ve been trying for 30 years to get shops in and no one wants to stop; there aren’t any stores.”
