Kroger’s facelift approved by Planning Commission

The City of Oxford’s Planning Commission approved plans to almost double the size of the Kroger on University Avenue, including the addition of a Corky’s BBQ restaurant, after a public hearing Thursday evening.

Along with the Corky’s BBQ, Kroger is also adding a Starbucks in its expansion according to a rendering of the finished expansion.

Kroger did not immediately respond to phone calls or emails left by the Eagle.

The only questions the commission proposed were regarding the plans were about maintaining a new traffic signal directing traffic at a new entrance to the Kroger, and about parking at the expanded Kroger pharmacy.

Apart from those few issues, the committee didn’t voice any other opposition nor did any residents have complaints.

The commission questioned whether or not Kroger Pharmacy parking would clash with delivery trucks coming around the west side of the store. However, that was cleared up with a clearer explanation of the proposed traffic flow.

The commission was also assured the city would maintain the traffic light that would be added.

According to the approved, Kroger is planning on expanding its current 57,000 square foot location to about 107,000 square feet. This would include the removal of the strip center adjacent to the Kroger, which formerly included Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant and PJ’s Wine and Spirits.

Kroger would expand over the removed strip center to the east, and the Corky’s BBQ and Starbucks would be included in that area.

The Kroger gas station would also add two more gas pumps to its existing four, adding one to each side of the station for six in total.