Residents get first look at proposed Dollar General Store on Pine Island
Gathering in the meeting room at the Pine Island Public Library, residents of Pine Island were provided a first glimpse of the proposed Dollar General Store. Presenting an artist rendering of the building was Dennis Wood, senior vice president of McVay-Wood Engineering, LLC, who is in charge of the project.
“After doing a market study, we felt that a Dollar General was needed on the island and the purpose for this meeting was to get public input with regard to how the new building would look,” said Wood. “The initial drawing we feel represents the Old Florida style and won’t look like any other Dollar General stores typically found on the mainland.”
The 9,100-square-foot building measuring 70 X 130 feet, would be located on a 1.3-acre parcel on Stringfellow Road across the street from Pork Bellies restaurant. While the majority in attendance felt the conceptual drawing met most of the Old Florida design as specified in the Pine Island Plan, a few alterations were suggested.
“For the most part, the building meets our requirements, however, we would rather see rounded columns instead of square and the roof would be better as a hip roof rather than gabled,” said Phil Buchanan, representing the Greater PIne Island Civic Association. “The only other thing I question are the dormers. Not only could they be a problem for you during a hurricane, but I don’t believe they are in keeping with the Old Florida design.”
Wood added that the county also will require the installation of a turning lane and is asking for more parking than is currently in the design.
“Currently the county is requiring that we have 40 parking spaces, however we only feel it is necessary to have 35 so we are asking for a variance,” said Wood. “Fewer parking spaces would allow for more green space and since we feel certain that we will only be attracting people from Pine Island, we won’t need more than 35 spaces.”
Other issues addressed concerned landscaping and lighting, both of which Wood assured would meet or exceed county requirements as defined in the Pine Island Plan.
Wood also said that the merchandise available at the Pine Island store would be typical of most Dollar General stores. Merchandise will range from paper products to pet supplies and from cookies to clothing.
There are more than 8,800 Dollar General stores in 35 states which employ more that 79,000 people. Based in Goodlettsville, Tenn., this store will be company owned and not a franchise but promises to provide jobs for several Pine Island residents.
It is not known at this time as to when construction will begin on the new Dollar General Store.