The North Augusta Planning Commission moved forward with a preliminary site plan for the North Augusta Plaza.
The plaza, on Martintown Road, is the current home to Kmart, Hamricks, Publix and other stores. The applicant, SUSO 3 Augusta, LP, has proposed to redevelop the area where Kmart is located. According to Scott Sterling, the director of Planning and Development, the plan submitted will remove Kmart up to the common wall and develop a new structure slightly smaller. That development will have four spaces for tenants, with a fifth, smaller shop also for use.
Demolition of the existing building would be first, with construction to follow. If the project moves forward, according to studies, roughly 70 percent of the structure could be saved.
Parking would also be altered to accommodate all four shops with handicap accessible spots in front of each.
"North Augusta used to be called a bedroom community, and anything we can do to get away from that is a good thing," Commissioner Richard Fletcher said. "I find this appealing. I have no problem with Kmart, but I know my wife will be very excited about her new shopping opportunities."
Chairman Chip Burnett stressed that the Planning Commission is not looking at what potential tenants or retail that might occupy the redefined space. The submitted plan shows Marshalls, Ross, PetSmart and Rack Room Shoes. The Planning Commission's role in the process is making sure the proposed development is within North Augusta code. There will also need to be a final site plan submitted to the commission.
"From the City's perspective, and the Planning Commission's perspective, that's an issue outside of your scope of authority," Sterling said. "While Kmart has been a long-standing tenant in the city, and they have been a part of the City's success over the last number of years, that's an issue between the tenant and the ownership. We're here to determine whether this application and redevelopment is appropriate under regulations. That's all we can focus on, and that's something the ownership needs to address."
The motion passed unanimously after a motion by Commissioner Larry Watts.
In other business, the Planning Commission also passed a planned development modification for Sweetwater Commons. The development will feature 96 multifamily structures behind the Wal-Mart near Exit 5. The amendment was to relax buffer requirements near the Colonial Pipeline.
The Commission also approved a text amendment to send to City Council in regard to steep slopes. It is the third recommendation sent to City Council.
Scott Rodgers is the news editor at The North Augusta Star and has been with the paper since 2013. Follow him on Twitter @TheScottRodgers.