The Opelika City Council closed the door permanently on a local grocery store at Tuesday's meeting.
In a three to one vote, the City Council opted not to approve a zoning ordinance that would allow Joseph Kindred's store to operate in a residential district.
"It is very clear that this particular place is spot zoning," said Councilwoman Patricia Jones. "There is not anything in that area that is moving in a commercial capacity."
Joseph Kindred's store has been closed since summer 2009. Because it had been operating in a residential area, once the store remained closed for seven months, it became illegal to re-open it.
Councilman Joey Motley said it met only two of the five criteria used to determine legality.
"It's not in the best interest of Opelika for that store to be opened in a residential area," Motley said. "Can you say there's a need? I don't know. I'm not qualified to say whether there is or there isn't. I don't see a need there."
The only member of the Council who voted in favor of the store was David Canon, who was also involved with the planning commission on figuring out a legal way to rezone the area.
Other items on the agenda included the renewal of contracts with companies that service the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatic Center and the decision to move forward with the red light cameras initiative.
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