— City Commissioners have approved rezoning land inside the Palm Aire development to be used for a Publix supermarket.
But plans for the store, which would be one of the few businesses within walking distance of the community, has many residents up in arms. Nearly 60 people have sent letters to City Hall protesting the plan.
Some residents have complained that they didn’t move into the neighborhood — mostly condominiums, with a sprinkling of rental apartments, townhomes and timeshares — to share it with a supermarket.
“The traffic in front of my door is going to be horrendous,” said Mickey Haberman, a 21-year Palm Aire resident.
The 27,000-square-foot supermarket is scheduled be built at Southwest 36th Avenue, also known as Oaks Drive. Although not in the midst the residential neighborhood, it will border homes to the north and west.
Next month the project is expected to receive approval from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board. The store could be open by the end of the year, said Bonnie Miskel, attorney for Sunbeam Properties, the developer.
“We’ve been told they feel there are 10,000 residents in Palm Aire alone that have to go outside, well beyond their boundaries,” Miskel said. “That creates a need in itself [for a supermarket]. And a lot of people prefer Publix to any other grocery store. This way, by bringing the store closer to its community, it’s more convenient to people.”
But some residents say Publix is simply interested in competing with a Winn-Dixie that opened in May at the Palm Aire Marketplace, which borders the neighborhood.
“I didn’t move into Palm Aire to be in a business zone,” said Rose Feldman.
“There’s no compelling need to put a Publix in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” agreed Commissioner Kay McGinn, who cast the only vote against the zoning.
Some applaud the new center.
“Here’s an opportunity for people who are not comfortable driving on Powerline Road, which is a racetrack,” said Vice Mayor Herb Skolnick, who lives in Palm Aire. “The largest preponderance of people in the community want it. There is an overwhelming desire for some type of facility so they don’t have to drive to shop.”
Reuben Glickman, also a Palm Aire resident, agreed.
“I want a Publix,” he said. “The geriatric set I see, who by virtue of age have been restricted as far as driving, I believe they deserve they have the right to have access to a store they can reach easily. It solves the problems of fears, and being imprisoned. They certainly deserve that kind of help.”
Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriashsun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4557.
