OKEMOS - A new Okemos farmer won’t need a tractor and plow to run his business.
That’s because this farmer is a Farmer Jack Supermarket, which will be located on East Grand River Avenue near Park Lake Road.
The block dubbed Majestic Plaza houses Pro-Bowl East; Oriental Mart; Pistachios Restaurant, 2827 E. Grand River Ave.; Tuesday Morning Inc., 2825 E. Grand River Ave.; International House of Pancakes, 2771 E. Grand River Ave. and an abandoned building.
Michael Rein, executive vice president of Bowers and Rein Associates Inc., the Ann Arbor-based architectural firm designing the supermarket, said they hope to break ground this summer.
“We are tying to reduce the amount of pavement and impervious surface, which is one of the townships goal- to add more trees and green area,” he said.
However, to make room for the 60,000-square foot supermarket, Pro-Bowl East, 2757 E. Grand River Ave.; Oriental Mart, 2793 E. Grand River Ave. and the abandoned building will be torn down and used for the supermarket and parking.
The Meridian Township Planning Commission and Board approved a special use permit in February.
Mark Kieselbach, director of community planning and development, the supermarket, said unlike other stores in the chain that are open 24 hours, can only be open from 6 a.m. to midnight to curb noise.
“When the board approved it they hated to see the existing building be displaced,” he said. “But they are interested in seeing the site refurbished.”
Krista Goetz, an elementary education senior who spends $50 a week on food, is excited about the prospect of another supermarket.
“It’s closer and more convenient,” she said.
But not everyone is happy about the arrival of the supermarket.
Attorney Norman Gaffney Jr. said his clients - Tom’s Party Store Inc., 2778 E. Grand River Ave. and Country Markett, 1367 E. Grand River Ave. - feel there are many problems associated with the new supermarket.
“Anyone can agree that the stretch of road is already congested,” he said. “And obviously to survive it will have to take business away from other stores.”
