Big Pine Key Publix?
A new Publix on Big Pine Key is getting a little closer to reality, as Monroe County planners are looking at how the chain could build a new supermarket at property now used for the popular Big Pine Key Flea Market. James Young, owner of the 11.6-acre property near mile marker 30, said Publix has a contract to buy the land contingent on the county allowing the development.
“Nobody knows what the county is going to allow,” Young said. “After the first of the year, we’ll know more. If the county doesn’t permit it by then, the contract will be dead.” South Florida Publix spokeswoman Anne Hendricks said she couldn’t confirm the grocery giant has a contract on the property and called the idea of a Publix on Big Pine Key a “rumor.”
However, Monroe County Growth Management Director Ty Symroski said he and his staff have been in discussions with Publix officials. “We don’t have any application at this point,” Symroski said. “We have talked to them about the issues involved with the development, as well as developing some employee housing.” One of the development issues involves traffic, although Symroski said he doubts Publix would generate as much car traffic as the flea market does in peak season.
“It’s more, I think, how the driving patterns change,” he said. “Many people on upper Sugarloaf who normally chose to drive to Key West to shop may drive up to Big Pine instead.” Another issue, Symroski said, is determining exactly how much commercial floor area the flea market makes up and how that square footage can be applied to an enclosed supermarket.
Young said the flea market has about 147,000 square feet or retail space and Publix is asking for 50,000 square feet for its store. Symroski said he’s also asking Publix to consider an affordable housing component and other issues. “They recognize they’re going to have an issue of where their employees can live,” Symroski said. “I’m also looking at ways to make sure this will be a highly hurricane-survival-type building. One of the things you want right after a storm is grocery stores.” Publix recently installed generators at its Key Largo, Marathon and Key West stores to ensure quick reopening after a storm.
“Nobody knows what the county is going to allow,” Young said. “After the first of the year, we’ll know more. If the county doesn’t permit it by then, the contract will be dead.” South Florida Publix spokeswoman Anne Hendricks said she couldn’t confirm the grocery giant has a contract on the property and called the idea of a Publix on Big Pine Key a “rumor.”
However, Monroe County Growth Management Director Ty Symroski said he and his staff have been in discussions with Publix officials. “We don’t have any application at this point,” Symroski said. “We have talked to them about the issues involved with the development, as well as developing some employee housing.” One of the development issues involves traffic, although Symroski said he doubts Publix would generate as much car traffic as the flea market does in peak season.
“It’s more, I think, how the driving patterns change,” he said. “Many people on upper Sugarloaf who normally chose to drive to Key West to shop may drive up to Big Pine instead.” Another issue, Symroski said, is determining exactly how much commercial floor area the flea market makes up and how that square footage can be applied to an enclosed supermarket.
Young said the flea market has about 147,000 square feet or retail space and Publix is asking for 50,000 square feet for its store. Symroski said he’s also asking Publix to consider an affordable housing component and other issues. “They recognize they’re going to have an issue of where their employees can live,” Symroski said. “I’m also looking at ways to make sure this will be a highly hurricane-survival-type building. One of the things you want right after a storm is grocery stores.” Publix recently installed generators at its Key Largo, Marathon and Key West stores to ensure quick reopening after a storm.
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