Tentative plans for a new Publix on Gaines Street have some local businesses worried.
Tallahassee local businesses have started a petition against the city’s plans to construct a Publix on west Gaines Street. One of those shops is Olde Fields Clothing Company, who has been at that location on Gaines Street since 2011. Owner Will Galotti says a Publix in the area would only contribute to urban sprawl, rather than supporting the arts community.
“So we all were kind of upset that they would allow the approval for that in an area that they said would be for the arts," says Galotti. "Just because it doesn’t really make sense, you’re just creating urban sprawl then. More cars, more traffic, less enjoying the area.”
Structure Real Estate is overseeing the development, and while they don’t have a contract with the grocery chain yet, the deal is contingent upon a lease from Publix. The final decision will not be made until December.
