Although a developer’s request for a “big box” grocery store was rejected last week, that has not kept some residents from telling the city what they think should be built at the “scenic” entrance to Fairhope where Veteran’s Road meets U.S. 98.

“I’ve heard from several people about what should go there,” said Council Chairman Bob Gentle at a work session before Monday’s City Council meeting. “I’ve been asked could the city buy the “Triangle” property and turn it into a world-class park.”

The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of Hutchinson, Moore and Rauch’s proposal to amend the Planned Unit Development (PUD) at the “Triangle” and the property on the north side of Veteran’s Drive to include a 46,000-square-foot grocery store. The property has been the site of ongoing but unsuccessful efforts to develop the property since the PUD for a mixed-used residential and commercial development was established there in 2002.

“I told them that the council will not allow any more debt on the city,” Gentle said. “But if they are willing to do it, which I think is a good idea, we could consider a tax to pay for it. My understanding is that the property is valued at $11 million.”

Gregg Mims, the city’s planning director said it was his understanding that the entire property of the PUD, which includes the property on the north side of Veteran’s Drive, is valued at approximately $19 million.

He said an alternative to purchasing the entire property would be to buy a 100-foot-strip on each side of Veteran’s Road and grant an easement to the developer of the property.

“That way you could maintain the visual of that area,” Mims said. “If you’re not going to purchase both sides of (Veteran’s Drive), it probably doesn’t make any sense to do it.”

FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The final decision on the request will be made by the City Council. The developer said last week that it had not decided whether it would withdraw the request before the council meeting early next year, when it would be considered.

Gentle said that taking the residents’ advice about building a park at the entrance would eliminate concerns about the type of development that might go there.

“That’s the kind of thing that could go there instead,” he said. “Then you wouldn’t have to worry about a Publix or Piggly Wiggly or whatever.”