A Kroger Marketplace might be headed for Hinesville after the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission recommended approval of the supersized grocery store at its meeting Tuesday.

The proposal to rezone parcels for the supermarket will go before the Hinesville City Council for the final decision at its meeting scheduled for
3 p.m. Oct. 1.

The site for the proposed Kroger is between Veterans Parkway and Deal Street — behind Downs Lumber & Supply on Deal Street and next to Woodwind South Apartments on Veterans Parkway. Four parcels would be combined, and there would be a new traffic light on Veterans Parkway. The store also would be accessed from Deal Street, but not Gilbert Street.

Arahn Hawkins, representing The Kroger Co., said the supermarket chain has recently been building larger stores that not only carry groceries but other amenities. Hawkins said the bigger store will feature clothing apparel, Starbucks, drive-thru pharmacy, large pet department, home décor, office and kitchen products, an organic-food section and the ability for customers to order groceries online. After ordering, customers can park and have groceries brought to their car. There also would be a full-service meat department with grilling station, a bistro, a gas station and more.

Hawkins said the Kroger Marketplace in Savannah across from the Oglethorpe Mall will give the community an idea of what they can expect for the new Hinesville store. Kroger currently leases a 44,000-square-foot store on West Oglethorpe Highway, according to a document submitted by architecture and engineering firm Roberston Loia Roof. The proposed Kroger would be in a company-owned facility larger than 123,000 square feet.

Employees at the current Hinesville Kroger would be able to transfer to the new store.

Resident Joseph Stuart asked what would go into the space that Kroger currently occupies. LCPC Chairman Jack Shuman said that because Kroger doesn’t own that building, it would be up to the building owner.

Sheila Eichorn was concerned about the blinking traffic light at Deal Street and E.G. Miles Parkway. She called the intersection a death trap and asked whether a full signal will be installed. There might be increased traffic at that intersection because customers will be able to access Kroger from Deal Street. Shuman said that if the intersection becomes an issue, the city would address it.

Cook Out, gym, church recommended

The LCPC also recommended approval of proposal to rezone a parcel on the corner of McArthur Drive and Oglethorpe Highway for a Cook Out fast-food restaurant. It would be between Chili’s and the Lowe’s shopping center. Cook Out prides itself on having “fresh, never frozen hamburgers” that are grilled, barbecue and hot dogs. The chain has 40 varieties of milkshakes, including cappuccino, M&M, peach cobbler and caramel coffee. Cook Out also features a double drive-thru for customers. That proposal also is headed to the Hinesville City Council next for the final decision.

Strike Hard Fitness, a fitness center, has a chance to find a place in Flemington. According to the narrative submitted, the objective of Strike Hard Fitness is to start a group fitness service in Liberty County that offers different workout options. It is proposed to be located at 1661-F E, Oglethorpe Highway, in the same are complex as JL Auto Body Shop. The facility is 4,000 square feet, with room to hold instructional fitness classes for up to 20 people.

Attached to the proposal was an ordinance amendment for health-club businesses. The proposed site is located near a church and residential properties. The staff recommended for the distance requirement between a health club and church, residential properties and other health clubs be eliminated. Fingerprint checks were eliminated because the state of Georgia already does background checks on applicants for a business license. For the health club to be approved by the Flemington City Council, the council also would need to pass the ordinance amendments.

The former Revolutions nightclub may see new light as a place of worship. Pastor Anthony McCrae of The Love of Jesus Ministry filed a rezoning petition to rezone 1.79 acres from general commercial district, C-2, to highway commercial district, C-3. A special-permit use to operate a church also was filed with the petition. McCrae told planning commissioners that the church has been in Gum Branch for 11 years and would like to use the building, located on E.G. Miles Parkway. George Holtzman of Coldwell Banker Holtzman Realtors and Mike Alamo, representative of the property owner, said he can’t find a better use of the property than to serve the Lord.