City Seeks Public Input on Changes for Trader Joe's

A proposal to will be back on the agenda Tuesday, as aldermen seek public input on to a shopping center under construction, in part to accommodate Trader Joe's.

Citizens can comment at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at , 2000 N. Calhoun Rd.

The total size of the Underwood Crossing shopping center, being built at 12821 W. Bluemound Rd. on the former site of Quebecor World printing, would increase from 190,100 square feet to 201,601 square feet.

The complex would include the existing ; a 140,000-square-foot Target store with grocery; a 3,800-square-foot PNC Bank; a junior anchor; and one or two buildings for Trader Joe's and a second retailer or restaurant.

Developer Ryan Cos. of Minneapolis, MN, is asking for changes to the complex plans to allow for:

• A 5,600-square-foot increase in building size for Trader Joe's and another yet unannounced retail business or restaurant, from 12,400 square feet to 18,000 square feet.

• A monument sign featuring three businesses rather than the two currently allowed, in order to add Trader Joe's to the previously approved sign.

• Eleven fewer but taller light poles of 25 feet. The city's maximum height for lights is 20 feet. The lights would turn on at dusk and turn off 30 minutes after closing, except for parking areas for overnight stocking and other work.

• A 5,901-square-foot increase in a junior anchor connected to the Target store under construction. The yet-to-be-announced national soft goods clothing retailer would be 23,901 square feet rather than the 18,000 previously approved.

• A more robust landscaping plan to respond to concerns by the neighboring Columbia Gardens subdivision. Ryan Cos. would add 49 evergreen trees, 8- to 10-foot tall on a berm between the homes and shopping center.

About a half dozen residents on Eastbrook Place filed a petition seeking more landscaping work to improve and protect their privacy, property values, and views from their homes.

Ryan plans to use the savings from installing fewer light poles to spend $42,573 on landscaping work, including removing Buckthorn and other invasive species on the berm, add evergreens (such as Colorado Spruce, Black Hills Spruce and Arborvitae) and a 3- to 4-inch mulch bed, and repair all turf along the property line and pedestrian trial following construction.

Residents endorsed the plans at a neighborhood meeting the city held Thursday.