Publix tells Orchid it will move ahead with supermarket, strip center on Wabasso Road

ORCHID — Publix representatives have reached out to town officials, indicating they will pursue the development of a shopping center on County Road 510.

“They’re going to move forward with the project,” said Town Manager Noah Powers. “I’m pleased for the town to have the opportunity to evaluate a formal application.”

Publix representatives could not be reached for comment.

In April, however, they announced plans for a 31,000-square-foot supermarket and five retail stores on 7 acres on CR 510, across from Fire Station No. 11.

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The supermarket would be a smaller version of a typical Publix, and would include a mix of merchandise reflective of the affluent beachside community, developer Craig Buchanan, from WindCrest Development Group, told an April 4 community meeting. At 31,000 square feet, the market would be about one-third smaller than a typical 45,000-square-foot store.

More than 100 people turned out for the April meeting, many voicing concerns about store hours, signs, aesthetics, stormwater management, security, lighting, noise and traffic along busy CR 510.

Homeowners along nearby Jungle Trail, as well as those who live in nearby developments including Old Orchid and Seasons, located just outside the town limits in unincorporated Indian River County, have expressed opposition to having a shopping center built so close to their homes.

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Publix has a contract to purchase the land from Vero Beach developer Ken Puttick, who has made several previous attempts to develop the land, including for townhomes and for an assisted-living facility. Both projects were turned down by the town, and the land has remained vacant since Puttick purchased it for $3.5 million in May 2006.

Since Orchid’s Local Planning Agency and Town Council both must review a development application, and neither meets during the summer, there will be plenty of opportunity for citizen input after the site plan is filed with the town.

“They are continuing to do some work behind the scenes,” said Powers. “We will have a preliminary plan review meeting with Publix representatives before they submit their formal application to us.”

The application will first be reviewed by the town planner, then be sent to the Local Planning Agency, which will hold a quasi-judicial public hearing and make a recommendation to the Town Council.

The council has ultimate authority to approve or deny any development within town limits.

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