A Lowe’s home improvement store could soon be the newest tenant coming to the Leland Town Center.
Leland Planning Director Ben Andrea said the town is reviewing updated development site plans that would bring the home improvement store to U.S. 17 and Ploof Rd SE. Initial plans propose a 113,860 square-foot store with a 27,720 square foot garden center.
Many Leland residents have been clamoring for a home improvement store that would eliminate their need to drive into Wilmington.
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Diane Heffernan and her husband are building a home and moving to Leland after living in Wilmington for more than 30 years. Heffernan said she’s excited she’ll still have a Lowe’s in her area.
“With the growth of development we are thrilled that businesses that we love will be nearby,” she said.
Mayor Brenda Bozeman said while the prospect of Lowe’s coming to Leland is exciting, it will be key to mitigate the retailer’s impact on traffic with street improvements.
“If done correctly, this will be a great benefit for our area and we are delighted to see this progress in the Town,” Bozeman said.
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Leland resident Elaine Warren said she’s happy Lowe’s is “finally” coming, despite it being a chain store.
“Some may complain about big box stores, but when you have to decide when, why to go to Wilmington for items not available in Leland, the pros outweigh the cons,” Warren said. “The revenue and jobs is another plus.”
Andrea added after the plans for the store are reviewed, the town will provide preliminary zoning approval and then Lowe’s can apply for building permits.
“The timeline is really up to them as far as when they want to apply for building permits and start construction after permit issuance,” he said.
Reporter John Orona can be reached at 910-343-2327 or [email protected].