The planning commission’s recommendation this week for approval of the 7,380 square foot auto parts store will go to council for a vote on April 7, according to Maika Arnold, city planner.
“AutoZone has to come back with a final development plan, which should include additional site details, such as building design,” Arnold said. “Planning Commission will review the final development plan and make a recommendation to City Council for final approval of the site.”
“Right now, we are trying to get through the City of Vandalia Planning Commission and Council for approval. As soon as that is accomplished, the construction will begin,” said John Burkhardt of Burkhardt Engineering. Burkhardt is the applicant who asked the city for a public hearing for AutoZone’s planned unit development.
Arnold added that no project cost has been determined yet.
There was no information on how many jobs the store would bring to the area.
Phone calls placed by Dayton Daily News to the AutoZone headquarters in Memphis, Tenn. were not returned.
“We’re always happy to welcome new business to Vandalia. Our staff works very hard to meet the needs of the business and its contractors to ensure a smooth permitting and construction process,” Hopkins said.
AutoZone is a Fortune 500 company, according to the store’s web site. A man named J.R. “Pitt” Hyde III founded the store, which first opened in Forrest City, Ark. in 1979 under the name Auto Shack.
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