Planning staff recommends approval of concept changes for Bank of America outlot near Publix; council to consider first reading later

City planning staff and the Planning and Zoning Committee reviewed an application from the Boone County Planning Commission on Aug. 19 seeking changes to a previously approved concept development plan for a one-acre outlot at the corner of U.S. Highway 42 and Farmview Drive that is part of the larger Publix development.

Planning staff member Todd said the subject property is divided between the City of Union (pink on the map) and the City of Florence (yellow on the map), and that the one-acre parcel under review is the outlot outlined in blue. He described the original 2021 concept plan and 2023-24 approvals that required fully pitched roofs for buildings under 8,000 square feet, brick detailing, a consistent material/color palette and exterior lighting matching Publix's 20-foot light poles.

Todd said the current applicant, for a proposed 4,250-square-foot Bank of America building with two drive-through lanes, initially proposed a gray brick and lighting 25 feet tall that did not match the approved Publix fixtures. He said the applicant submitted revisions to increase architectural detailing, add red brick and standing-seam metal roofing, and reduce lighting to 20 feet to match Publix. Todd said the Planning and Zoning Committee met the prior week and is recommending approval of the application with no additional conditions beyond those already on the property.

Todd said one remaining condition from the Boone County Planning Commission is that outlot deliveries should not be made by tractor-trailers. No council vote was taken on the application at the Aug. 19 special meeting; the item will be placed on the agenda for first reading at the council's next regular business meeting.