The $30 million project is slated to have 180,000 square feet for commercial businesses. Although no contracts have been signed for specific stores for the development, Hulbert said he expects to have a grocery store, several restaurants and possibly a bank in the shopping center.

The project will be presented to the City Council in two weeks for final site approval.

"I know change is difficult, especially in a small community, but I think the feel and look of the project will be something that will be a benefit to the community," Hulbert said.

Some residents, like Darrel Ockler, who lives next door to the potential project, aren't so sure about the benefit the project will bring. But Ockler is resigned to the inevitable change.

"I disapprove of it simply because we've lived in this house for 27 years and we've enjoyed the openness," Ockler said. "The elected officials felt like they needed to do something with the corner, so they've done it. I'm not in favor of what they've done, but I'm one of several thousand people, so my opinion doesn't matter."

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E-mail: achoate@desnews.com