Plans for Dothan Village shopping center move forward

Development plans for a portion of the Dothan Village retail project on U.S. 84 East, received approval from members of the Dothan Planning Commission on Wednesday.

Phase I, a 4.6-acre parcel which fronts Highway 84, is a speculative retail center consisting of 40,925 square feet. The rear of the 83-acre site fronts Kelley Drive, just off Ross Clark Circle.

City of Dothan Planning Director Todd McDonald said the staff has no idea what types of stores will go into the shopping center. The developer is Interstate Properties LLC of Destin, Fla.

Dirt is being moved at the site and pipe is being laid. Officials noted the project has an overabundance of landscaping points – nearly double what is required.

The city is encouraging the developer to add more landscape islands to Dothan Village.

In approving the project, officials noted a flood study may be required because of possible flood plain issues on the site. Also, the city is conducting a traffic study for the entire development.

The planning commission also approved a recommendation to rezone 2.89 acres of the project which is split zoned, located at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Ross Clark Circle between Sonic and LaBamba’s. The rezoning, from M-3 to B-2, will have to be approved by the Dothan City Commission.

No development plans have been submitted for this portion of the property.

In other business, planning commissioners approved development plans for Greystone United Methodist Church at Fortner Street and Bob Hall Road. They approved recommending rezoning for 701 Kent Drive; 3391 Ross Clark Circle; 228 Keelarney Lane; and 2407 Fortner St.

Commissioners did not approve a rezoning request for a daycare at 1710 S. Oates St., based on land use compatibility, traffic, and neighboring zoning.