Commission denies conditional use for package store at Woodward Oaks

The commission considered a conditional‑use application for a package store in the Shops at Woodward Oaks shopping center, 1785 Jamesburg Parkway. Planning staff explained the PDD left package stores off the permitted use list to give the council and planning commission extra review authority; prior PDD approvals did not automatically include package store uses.

Nick Hayes, a shopping‑center owner, said tenants included medical and pharmacy users and that the proposed operator has stores across Alabama and Georgia. Hayes said the retailer "has an impeccable track record and good standing with the ABC" and argued the store would serve neighborhood residents. Commissioners asked about distance to churches and schools; staff said the city has no specific buffers for package stores.

After debate the commission moved to deny the conditional use and read into the record the regulatory basis for denial tied to health, safety and welfare concerns, particularly traffic flow considerations expressed by staff and several commissioners. The motion to deny was seconded and carried by roll call, and the conditional‑use request was formally rejected at the meeting.