Board approves development plan, nixes convenience store
By Randy Bell
Rendering of one of the proposed buildings in the CityPointe Centre development
The Clinton Board of Aldermen has given the green light to a new mixed-use commercial development on Pinehaven Drive, but—in a narrow vote—rejected the business that would have been part of the first phase of CityPointe Centre.
The Board on March 5 approved the preliminary plat for the $32 million development to be located between Trustmark Bank and Clinton Healthcare. But, moments later, it voted to deny a conditional use permit for a convenience store and fuel center to be built near the Pinehaven entrance to the development.
Ward 4 Alderman Chip Wilbanks cast one of three votes in favor of the permit and was mystified by the Board’s decision.
“That property has been empty forever,” Wilbanks said, after the meeting. “We’re just saying ‘no’ to sales tax. It makes no sense to me. I don’t understand it. How do we continue to urge businesses to come and develop in Clinton, and then we’re going to tell people ‘no.’”
Also voting to approve the store were Ward 1’s Karen Godfrey and Ward 3’s Robert Chapman.
Alderwoman-at-Large Ricki Garrett said she voted against granting the permit, because she doesn’t think a business like that is needed in the area.
“There’s already a convenience store in almost that exact location,” she said. And noting that continued residential growth is expected along Pinehaven Drive, Garrett said, “I really believe there’s a potential to bring something more desirable to that area than a convenience store.”
Garrett also voted against approving the CityPointe Centre plat, partly due to the convenience store, but also because the plans include some loft apartments that would be built above retail space.
“A number of people have expressed concerns to me about more apartments in Clinton,” Garrett said. “They don’t want more apartments.” And she said she has doubts about the number of retail tenants who will move into the development.
Mayor Phil Fisher had sharp words for the Board members who voted against the convenience store.
“These are the people, that, when they run for election, will tell you ‘I’m for economic development.’ And, when it comes, they find a reason to vote ‘no,’” Fisher said.
Fisher said the City will lose significant tax revenue from a convenience store, which anticipated monthly sales of $1.5 million.
Shown is the proposed site plan for the Pinehaven Road development. The Board of Aldermen have denied a conditional use permit for the convenience store/gas station.
Development agent John Coughlin told the Board that CityPointe Centre would have 72,000 square feet of retail space with a neighborhood grocery, various restaurant and food options, professional buildings and one hundred lofts with long-term leases. He said getting the plat approved allows him to continue negotiating with prospective commercial tenants.
Later, in a statement, Coughlin expressed his appreciation to the Board for approving the CityPointe Centre plat.
“This development will only complement the wonderful growth already underway in the City of Clinton,” wrote Coughlin. “We are eager and looking forward to working with such great partners as this generational vision comes to life. We anticipate CityPointe Centre becoming a great bookend to the 80/20 Project located just north of Highway 80, as well as being a contributing factor to the future growth of Mississippi College and the City of Clinton.”
