The proposed CVS Pharmacy at Washington Avenue and Ohio Street is moving ahead despite a denial recommendation from the city Planning Commission last week.
Commissioners voted 3-2 earlier this month to deny CVS’ plan to build a 13,000 square foot store on the southeast corner of the intersection, but the City Common Council Monday voted to send the project back to the commission to schedule a required public hearing, a story in The Journal Times reads.
Because the company plans to buy a handful of residential parcels, those properties would have to be rezoned and the city’s comprehensive plan revised, changes that trigger a statutorily required public hearing.
More than two dozen people signed up to speak, all but six of whom support the new pharmacy, the story continues.
The owners of Racine Cyclery and a family on Virginia Street approve of the CVS plan, but former Mayor Jim Smith opposes it, saying there won’t be a buffer between such a large commercial development and the residential neighborhood.
After the public hearing, alderpersons will vote again on whether or not to move forward with the zoning and comprehensive plan changes.