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Planning commission approves Grocery Outlet at 2630 Bayshore to address neighborhood grocery gap
Summary
The commission granted conditional use authorization for Grocery Outlet to occupy a former Safeway building at 2630 Bayshore Boulevard, a site community members described as a longstanding 'food desert.' Approval was unanimous.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use authorization Sept. 26 allowing Grocery Outlet to open at 2630 Bayshore Boulevard, a site community advocates said will restore a full‑service grocery store to Visitation Valley.
Planning staff described the project as compatible with the NC3 zoning district and the neighborhood context; Erica Jackson noted staff received several letters of support and recommended approval under Planning Code Sections 121.2, 157 and related provisions. The sponsor’s counsel, Mary Murphy, and Grocery Outlet representatives explained plans to reconfigure the existing retail space (about 13,624 square feet), add landscaping and improve the parking lot. Grocery Outlet proposed 53 off‑street parking spaces and committed to work with the Visitation Valley Planning Alliance on site landscaping and pedestrian improvements.
Fran Martin of the Visitation Valley Planning Alliance told commissioners the neighborhood has long prioritized a grocery store: “We still don't have that grocery store. We really, really need this grocery store,” she said. Other community speakers emphasized the project's potential to increase access to fresh food and provide local jobs.
The Commission approved the conditional use with standard conditions; the motion passed unanimously, 7‑0.
