Georgetown Approves New Grocery Store and Retail Developments Amid Traffic Concerns

Georgetown has taken a significant step towards expanding its retail landscape with the approval of a 56,585 square foot grocery store, which will include an attached liquor store. The Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission confirmed the move on Thursday during a meeting, although the specific identity of the grocery store remains undisclosed by developers. However, local residents have speculated that it may be a regional grocer familiar in nearby areas.

Situated at the corner of Frankfort Pike and McClelland Circle, south of Western Elementary, the site is expected to commence construction in the first half of 2025, according to Mike Leonard, Director of Development at Hogan Real Estate. The planning process faced objections regarding traffic impact, especially from residents of the McClelland View subdivision due to a proposed entrance on Fincastle Lane, which would be the neighborhood’s only access point.

Residents expressed mixed feelings, with some supporting the development but raising concerns over traffic congestion. The development plan includes four proposed entrances: a traffic light directly across from the Great Crossing High School, an entrance on Frankfort Pike allowing for right turns, and additional access points on McClelland Circle and Fincastle Drive. Traffic studies indicate that the new grocery store could generate up to 302 trips during peak morning hours and 775 trips during peak evening hours.

To mitigate traffic concerns, the development plan has been modified to include a right-in, right-out entrance on McClelland Circle. Measures such as “No Trucks” signage and a new U-turn lane on McClelland Circle, headed south from Fincastle Drive, have also been integrated into the proposal.

Interestingly, the grocery store project is just one of two large retail developments that received unanimous approval from the planning commission. The second project, dubbed Georgetown Commons, will cover 99 acres of the current Bringardner Farm. This development will feature a 127,500 square foot retailer along with several other sizeable retail spaces, and plans for 288 apartment units across twelve buildings.

Construction for Georgetown Commons is projected to kick off around the middle of 2025, but specific tenant announcements have yet to be made, as developers await further community support.

Additionally, the commission greenlit plans for a Chipotle and a Dutch Bros. Coffee drive-thru at the former O’Charley’s location near Walmart, adding to the excitement of new dining options in the area.

As developments unfold, the community remains engaged and vigilant regarding the impact on traffic and local environment, with ongoing discussions anticipated as construction timelines draw nearer.