Woodbury Approves Grocery Store Plans, Questions Pedestrian Access at Urban Village

The Woodbury City Council on Wednesday approved plans for a new grocery and retail building at Bielenberg Gardens, a mixed-use development slated for the southwest corner of Radio Drive and Bailey Road.

But much of the discussion centered on the walkability of the site as a whole and how people will navigate the urban village.

Related: Group Announces Plans for New Grocery Store, Retail Space at Woodbury’s Urban Village

Seeing the overall plan for the site, Councilwoman Amy Scoggins said she thought more would be done to encourage people to walk between the retail buildings, which could include two restaurants, a gas station, bank and pharmacy, in addition to the grocery store.

“I thought it would look a little bit different,” she said of the master plan, adding that it doesn’t seem pedestrian friendly enough.

“That’s what I think is really lacking here,” Scoggins said.

Developers and city staff have worked to design a development that will promote walking, including “garden elements,” sidewalks and pedestrian striping at intersections, said Eric Searles, associate planner.

The plans are much more pedestrian friendly than other developments in Woodbury, he said. The grocery store is 366 feet from the proposed fast-food restaurant, which equates to about four homes in a residential neighborhood, Searles said.

Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens said the angle of the proposed buildings and roads could also pose a challenge for walkers and said the city should continue to explore its options as further development at Bielenberg Gardens comes before the city.

Find a PDF of the plans on Patch.

Scoggins, meanwhile, also said many people will likely bike to Bielenberg Gardens, and the council suggested more pathways and wider trails instead of sidewalks at portions of the site. Those items will likely come up again as the development moves forward.

Pans for the Jerry’s Enterprises grocery store and attached liquor store were unanimously approved. No one spoke during a public hearing on the matter.

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