Carytown Place Is One Step Closer To Being Built

"This is a really important step...because the Museum district is a very influential group."

Robert Shinn says plans to breathe new life into this old Verizon building, just got a little easier.

"At the end of the day, we made a number of concessions that were very important to them," said Robert Shinn, spokesman for Carytown Place.

Shinn says the Museum District Association gave the green light for Maryland Financial Realty, Inc. to move forward after developers revised the plans.

Developers scaled back the project to 25-thousand square feet, to include some shops and restaurants.

Not a big box store that upset nearby neighbors.

And developers took away underground parking from North Nansemond street.

Carytown Place is expected to be a $20 million investment.

"More than 100 jobs have been brought in under the likely scenario. So, this will be great for the city in terms of economic development and jobs."

And some people we spoke with still had mixed reactions over this proposed project with another grocery store moving in.

"You have Kroger's and you've got Ellwood. I think that's enough grocery stores," said Erin Delp.

"I think it's a good idea to promote healthy living. Why not put it out here," said Norma Goode.

"It provides everybody with a variety," said Lakeisha Roney.

Developers still face several hurdles. The project goes before the planning commission.

The meeting takes place on Monday at 1pm on City Hall's 5th floor.

The panel will decide whether or not to rezone the building from residential/office to commercial retail.

If approved, it's on to City Council for their approval.

Stay with CBS 6 for updates.

August 16, 2010