5 City Panels to Review Proposed Theater Complex

City officials seeking to streamline the approval of a controversial South Lake Avenue theater-retail project will hold a daylong hearing next month during which five city commissions will review the complex to be built around the historic former Bullocks store.

Forest City Development plans to build a seven-screen theater, restaurants and add stores such as Gelson’s market on a landscaped ivy bank and parking lots of the department store, now part of the Macy’s chain.

Concerns about traffic and parking have ignited a debate between those who favor the development and those who pine for the days of genteel shopping. Neighborhood organizations have sent out mailers opposing the project, while local shop owners have deluged residents with promotions for the complex.

Both sides will testify Jan. 24 before commissioners for community development, design, cultural heritage, parking and planning. The council sent a letter to all commissioners last week asking them to attend. Ultimately, however, decisions by the commissions can be appealed to the council.