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Developer pitches grocery at historic Fifth Avenue site; commission backs rezoning request
Summary
A developer told the commission he hopes to restore grocery service at 1626 Fifth Avenue SE, a site tied to long local history; the commission recommended rezoning to allow commercial use after neighbors expressed support and the applicant said conditional uses such as alcohol sales would still require review.
The Planning Commission on May 13 recommended rezoning a small parcel at 1626 Fifth Avenue Southeast to permit retail or commercial uses, a step the applicant says could bring grocery service back to a neighborhood that lost a nearby supermarket last year.
Brad Bergeson, managing member of BB Properties, framed the proposal as a response to the First Avenue Hy‑Vee closure and said the parcel at 1626 Fifth Avenue — the historic Hayden's/Idlewild grocery site — is well‑suited for a neighborhood grocery. "The proposal is not just about addressing today's needs. It also honors our neighborhood's past," Bergeson said.
Staff noted the request would correct a nonconforming situation and that a conditional‑use public hearing would be required for certain level‑1 uses such as alcohol sales. A neighborhood association leader, Eric Guichmidt, said Wellington Heights voted to support the project and expressed confidence there is walking traffic to sustain a small store. The applicant said he has spoken with operators of similar stores and is exploring partnerships; Bergeson said he would not pursue liquor or tobacco sales at this location if the neighborhood objected.
The commission voted to approve the rezoning and will forward the matter to city council for a May 27 hearing and subsequent ordinance readings.
