Politics & Government

Concrete Fence, Live Oaks Part of Dollar General Deal

Developers for an incoming discount retail chain store on San Christopher Drive are promising to incorporate landscaping and both concrete and PVC fencing to provide a barrier to residents living nearby.

Live oaks, crape myrtles and concrete and PVC fencing are all part of the plans for an incoming Dollar General on San Christopher Drive.

Developers for the discount retail chain promised the buffers for disgruntled neighbors in December, and they delivered at Thursday's city commission meeting.

Commissioners approved land use and zoning changes that would discontinue split zoning and allow for Dollar General to build on what some neighbors called an "eyesore" vehicle storage lot at 1326 San Christopher Drive, near the corner of Pinehurst Road.

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Dollar General's final site plans presented on Feb. 21 incorporated landscaping and fencing changes to accommodate residents who voiced concerns for stormwater flooding, increased traffic and noise in December.

A concrete fence will be built along the west side of the property line, closest to the road. As the fence progresses toward the back of the lot, it will be replaced with PVC fencing, and the rear property line, which faces the back lots of residents on Ohio Street, will be planted with live oaks and crape myrtles, a lawyer for the Dollar General said. 

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Commissioner Julie Scales said she understood the concrete fence was a promise the developer made to neighbors, but she didn't like it. A concrete barrier, she said, "in general, I think it sends a negative message" to keep out.

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Developers said they would also add a stormwater runoff pond.

The property currently does not have any stormwater treatment because its purchase pre-dates regulations that made it mandatory to have them.

Property owner Ron Retterer has used the property as a storage lot for large RVs, 18-wheelers, boats and other vehicles for the past 20 to 30 years. The property has also been a constant sources of code violations over the years, according to city officials.

Dollar General stores carry school supplies, beach items, toys, toiletries, dog and cat food, clothing, accessories, food items and seasonal decorations at prices between $1 and $10.

The national retail chain is looking to expand by 600 to 800 stores in Florida over the next year. 

Related Coverage:

  • San Christopher Dollar General Plans Move Along
  • Dollar General One Step Closer to San Christopher
  • Should Dollar General Replace 'Eyesore' Storage Lot in Dunedin?
  • Incoming Dollar General Sparks Talk of New Anti Cookie-Cutter Codes


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