Construction of a new grocery store in Ketchum would "hopefully" start this year, according to Peter Buck, a Seattle-based spokesman for a Washington grocer.
The grocer Buck represents has remained anonymous since buying the 2.5-acre former Stock Building Supply property in early January. Buck announced a couple weeks after the purchase that the owner intends to build a value-driven grocery store on the land located at the intersection of Warm Springs Road, Tenth Street and Lewis Street, in the city's light-industrial zone.
Buck said that, in the meantime, building plans have been drafted and are now being "fine tuned" in consideration of concerns raised by locals. Buck said he's received letters from people worried about traffic at the busy intersection and offering suggestions for the building's placement, among other things.
"We're just trying to understand what should be addressed," Buck said.
He said the building design might be submitted to the city in a few weeks, fulfilling pre-application, the first official step toward approval.
But the city doesn't allow retail the size of a grocery store in the light-industrial zone. For that reason, the city would have to amend the zone's regulations in that area of town.
Lisa Horowitz, Ketchum's director of Community and Economic Development, said that for the city to commit to such a change, it would need citizens' backing that they want another grocery store, and in the light-industrial zone.
"The community needs to weigh in," she said.
A new grocery store would offer some competition for Atkinsons' Market, which has been the town's sole supermarket for more than four years. In fall 2005, Williams Market closed after 12 years in business on Main Street.
Horowitz said several public hearings would need to be held for the city to hear from residents if they think another grocery store is viable. And these residents would have a chance to stand in front of both the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Horowitz said the city is committed to a "fair review" of the plans, but it's unlikely city staff would support the market unless the landowner offers an incentive to Ketchum, such as community housing or street improvements.
Buck said the landowner does plan to construct housing on the property, most likely on the second floor above the store.
He said the property owner—who operates multiple stores in Washington—doesn't want to sit on the property but doesn't want to rush it either.
"The timeline is as quickly as can be done with care," he said.
Trevon Milliard: tmilliard@mtexpress.com
