Following a public hearing, Gwinnett planning commissioners voted Wednesday evening to deny a request by Kroger for a new “Marketplace” concept proposed for the corner of Martins Chapel Road and Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.
Feedback from approximately 100 residents indicated they had nothing against a new Kroger, and would in fact love the new more expansive concept, but just not at the proposed location. Planning commissioners agreed approval would set a precedent for future commercial development in an area zoned as residential.
Kroger developers had hoped to build the 123,000 square-foot concept store on 35 acres of wooded land that currently holds a single-family home and the Bread of Life Ministry.
The vote to deny the request was not unanimous with at least one commissioner in favor of approval. According to Planning Commission Chairperson Chuck Warbington, residents in attendance expressed “adamant opposition” to this kind of commercial development near their homes.
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will have the final say at their next meeting March 15.
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