NKY city says no to new grocery store that was possibly a Publix on green space

FORT THOMAS, Ky. (WKRC) - A proposal to develop a new grocery store on a stretch of land donated to the city of Fort Thomas has been shelved following public opposition.

The land, gifted by the Carlisle family in 2021 for park use, was eyed by a Cincinnati-based developer for a potential store from a regional chain. Although city leaders did not disclose the brand, speculation arose that Publix was interested.

The developer proposing the deal, STNL Development of Cincinnati, helped build a new Publix in Owensboro, Ky.

On Friday, the city announced it would no longer consider selling the land. Mayor Eric Haas said in a press release that public input significantly influenced the decision.

Sharon MacKnight, a lifelong Fort Thomas resident, had been vocal against the proposal since its in