Among a list of motions for Statesboro City Council to consider today, is a zoning amendment that would pave the way for construction of a CVS/Pharmacy on land that includes a renowned local restaurant.
    During a regularly scheduled meeting in City Hall at 9 a.m., council members will determine whether to rezone a 3.35-acre tract of land along the intersection of Tillman and Fair roads. An approved amendment would allow for the development of a shopping center at the location that currently features Snooky’s Restaurant, one of the most historic gathering places in Statesboro.
    According to City Manager Frank Parker, prospective buyers of the area — that includes Snooky’s, a tanning salon, part of an apartment complex and various offices — would clear the space to make room for a four-store shopping center that includes both CVS/Pharmacy and a new Andrew’s Klean Korner location.
    “The new center will take out all of Andrew’s Klean Corner, a real estate office to the north of that, and some of the apartment complex. Additional parking will require some houses to the west of Snooky’s — along Kennedy Street — be torn down,” said Parker. “From the plan I’ve looked at, there will be a total of four businesses. What the other two will be, I do not know yet.”
    Statesboro’s Department of Community Development recommends Council approve the new zoning during Wednesday’s meeting.
    The new shopping center will be a positive addition to the city, filling a void for certain residents, said Parker.
    “I think it will be a benefit to the City of Statesboro. My opinion is: [the pharmacy] serves a need on that part of town,” he said. “All of our pharmacies are either up-town or on the east-side of the city. The new pharmacy will definitely serve a need for the southwest side of Statesboro.”
    The purchase and development of the area by Foresite Group, Inc. is expected, but will leave the fate of Snooky’s Restaurant — a staple in Statesboro for decades — unclear, said Parker.
    “Judging from the current site plan, the Snooky’s building is not coming down,” he said. “If they buy the whole parcel, and it looks like they are, it will be the option of the company to either leave or tear down the property,” he said.
    Snooky’s opened more than 40 years ago and the restaurant has been a Statesboro institution for almost as long. Owner Bruce Yawn did not comment on the rezoning or any possible changes to the restaurant.
    CVS/Pharmacy, with more than 7,000 stores, is the second largest pharmacy chain in the United States. The retailer offers prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and an assortment of general merchandise — including greeting cards, food and cosmetic products. Statesboro looks to join a list of more than 150 cities in Georgia with a CVS/Pharmacy location.
    
    Jeff Harrison can be reached at (912) 489-9454.