Board holds over contested variance for proposed 6,500‑sq‑ft grocery near Bridal Park

The Mobile Board of Adjustments voted to hold over for 30 days a use‑variance application for a proposed 6,500‑square‑foot grocery at 5070 Old Shell Road, following extensive public comment from neighbors worried about traffic, deliveries and impacts to Bridal Park.

Neighbors told the board the parcel has recent approvals for residential subdivision and that a commercial development would change the character of the neighborhood. "The latest rendering shows that the Hajazi's plan to use the city's alleyway for their drive and to give more space for parking and delivery trucks," said Kelly Myers, a nearby homeowner, who added that residents ‘‘will absolutely see an increase in noise from the cars and offloading delivery trucks, customers coming and going, and trash disposal." She told the board 87% of emails within 1,400 feet were in opposition.

Speakers cited narrow local streets and a park crossing used by children as key safety concerns. "A brand new expanded 6,500 square foot facility will inherently generate new interest, draw customers from outside the immediate neighborhood, and significantly increase vehicular traffic," said Kyle Lankerson, a resident who argued the request failed the legal findings required for a variance. Village of Spring Hill President Linda St. John told the board the planning commission had approved a cottage‑style residential development for the site earlier this year and urged the board not to overturn that decision.

The applicant's representative said owners would seek to design a compliant, attractive building with front and rear entrances and rear deliveries routed to an alley dedicated to the building, and asked for time to provide additional drawings and materials. "The truck will be at the building rear and that alley is a public alley," the representative said, adding that owners expect panel trucks rather than tractor‑trailers.

After discussion, the board moved and seconded a 30‑day holdover to allow the applicant to revise the site plan and provide photographs and documentation of screening and compliance; the motion carried. The holdover will give the board time to review updated materials and for the city council to take related rezoning items on its calendar.