Council approves building permits for Gateway project, including Publix

The Blue Ridge City Council voted to issue building permits for the Gateway project, allowing construction work for Publix and associated shops to proceed. Planning & Zoning Administrator Jennifer Bates told the council staff had reviewed submitted documents and was ready to issue the permits "for both Publix and the shops, as they're referred to on their respective plans." The issuance satisfies a condition placed by the planning commission that required council approval before permit issuance.