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Grocery store proposed for corner of routes 40 and 142
(by Sandi Latimer, staff writer - February 23, 2010)
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 Edward Preston of Urbana presented preliminary sketches to West Jefferson Village Council for a proposed grocery store at the intersection of routes 40 and 142.
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West Jefferson is another step closer to getting a grocery store.
On Feb. 22, village council approved annexation legislation that paves the way for a grocery store to be built at the intersection of U.S. Route 40 and State Route 142 (Plain City-Georgesville Road) on the east side of town.
Council’s support is for annexation of 21 acres north of Route 40 and another 156 acres south of Route 40, both along Route 142.
Edward Preston of Urbana has expressed a desire to locate a Preston’s IGA on five acres at the intersection’s southeast corner. He wants the business to be part of the village with access to village services.
Council’s legislation allows access to the village’s water and sewer, as well as coverage from the West Jefferson Police Department and Jefferson Township Fire Department. Any taxes realized from the business would remain with the township.
For the project to move forward, the Jefferson Township trustees must pass similar legislation. Then, the Madison County commissioners must approve the village and township actions.
While the proposed grocery store site is south of Route 40, the land north of the highway needs to be annexed so that the grocery store land will be contiguous to other village property, Mayor Scott Hockenbery explained.
The land to the north butts against the village corporation line at the southern edge of Battelle’s property. Most of the northern acreage is owned by Larry Huston who said he plans to keep the land for agriculture use.
Preston is proposing to build a white barn-like structure with wings extending out on either side of the main entrance. A small building at the end of the left wing would serve as a convenience store, leaving space for a gas station.
“(The proposed design) keeps with a small town feeling,” Hockenbery said, adding that it would be easy to incorporate such a design into downtown improvements. “It will blend in with the look of Darby Dan and the neighboring farm.”
The design also would complement the barn-like structures at Blatter’s which sits catty-cornered from the proposed grocery store site.
Hockenbery said he likes the look because it isn’t a strip mall.
Council President Darlene Steele said the proposed design is “interesting, attractive and different.” She also likes the fact that Preston wants to be involved in community activities.
If village, township and county legislation is approved without a hitch, construction could start in late spring and the store could open as early as this fall.
“From the time we break ground, it would be 120 days to opening,” Preston said of what he calls The Markets at Darby Crossing.
“They could do ground breaking while the water and sewer lines are being put in,” Hockenbery said.
Additionally, the Ohio Department of Transportation is expected to install a traffic light at the intersection this year, a project postponed from last summer.
West Jefferson has been without a grocery store for about three years. Efforts to reopen a grocery in the former Kitchen’s Cardinal store have stalled.
In other business
• West Jefferson is going ahead with its downtown improvement project this year. Hockenbery said an agreement is needed on the number and width of traffic lanes on Main Street in the downtown area.
• Council approved a buffer zone and screen to protect residences adjoining Parsons Farm, annexed property on the west side of the village.
• Several council members complimented village workers and residents for their snow removal efforts.
Councilman Gene Sidner applauded “those who came out with their snow throwers to help other people, especially senior citizens.” Steele said it “was incredible how people helped people.”
The next council meeting is March 1.
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