Cedar Hills study on hold

CEDAR HILLS — The political controversy that's erupted surrounding Cedar Hills' first commercial development has, to say the least, complicated matters for its developer.

Rimrock's Mark Hampton has had to walk a fine line to protect his business interests, dispelling rumors about the property's future that have spread like wildfire over the past few months.

Both those in favor of and those opposed to the initiatives that would prevent the sale of alcohol in the city and require Sunday closure in the commercial zone have tried to put their own spin on which stores are interested in the property.

Because of the political climate, Hampton says he and Associated Foods' Steve Miner will now put plans for a joint market study on hold until after the election on Tuesday (the election will also determine the fate of a proposed $7 million bond for the city's golf course).

"I don't want to fuel either side of this fire," Hampton said. "I just want the decision to be made so that I know where to go with my development.

"Let's just let the citizens have their vote, and then we'll pick up the pieces and figure out what to do with it."

Associated Foods is a cooperative for independent and small grocery chains designed to provide commodity buying power to better compete with the large grocery outlets like Smith's, Albertsons and Wal-Mart.

Miner said he agreed to wait until after the election at Hampton's request, but that Kohler's is still considering the development. Kohler's currently operates a store in neighboring Highland that requires Sunday closing and restricts alcohol sales.

"We're not withdrawing our interest; in fact, we may pursue the study without his (Hampton's) participation," Miner said.

Hampton said he agreed to share in the cost of the market study because several interested parties had requested similar information, and that the move should not be taken as indicating that any agreements were reached.

"(The study) doesn't matter one bit; Associated Foods has no commitment, no contract," he said. "I would hate to have the citizens of Cedar Hills vote for these initiatives assuming that Kohler's is coming to Cedar Hills."

Hampton said he's still talking with a number of interested anchor tenants for the development, though some are on hold until the initiatives are decided.

"There are corporate companies that are watching this site and this vote to find out if they have further interest," he said. "There's no question, on both sides. So I'm just going to keep marketing just as fast and hard as I can."

Hampton said while he would love an Associated Foods member to build a store in Cedar Hills, no contracts have been drawn, and he thinks many grocers would do well there.