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Local merchants urge protections for storefronts, press for grocery options during public comment
Summary
Business owners asked the council to keep storefront entryways clear during the Strawberry Festival, requested an Uptown wayfinding sign, reserved a Nov. 12 shopping event, and said Stuart urgently needs a grocery store; town staff said vendors may be moved to the street and will continue outreach to potential grocers.
Matilda Hunsicker, representing Mattie B's store, told the Stuart Town Council during public comment that vendor tents at the upcoming Strawberry Festival should not block storefront entryways and suggested the town provide street protections for sidewalk access. Town Manager Bryce Simmons said the new Community Coordinator, Brian Hylton, is evaluating moving vendors to back‑to‑back stalls in the middle of the street to keep sidewalks and storefronts open and address fire and emergency access concerns.
Hunsicker also asked the council to reserve Thursday, Nov. 12 for the second annual "Stock and Stroll" Christmas shopping event and requested town support for printing and street protection; Simmons said the council should revisit any funding request after the new fiscal year begins July 1.
On business retention, Hunsicker and Susan Branham, representing Quilted Colors, described the severe impact of Stuart lacking a grocery store and said they have reached out to potential operators. Simmons and council members discussed the difficulty of attracting a grocer to the large vacant building given population and economic constraints, but agreed staff will continue outreach to prospective operators including Dollar General Market and Aldi.
Branham also asked for a sign at the bottom of Main Street directing traffic to Uptown businesses. Simmons explained that Virginia Department of Transportation rules prohibit listing specific for‑profit businesses on wayfinding signs, but said a sign directing visitors to "Historic Uptown Shopping" will be included in the town's new wayfinding plan.
The public comment brought together event logistics, marketing, and local retail concerns; councilors did not take immediate action on festival or grocery‑attraction funding at the meeting.
