By By LYDIA GRIMES – Features writer
Area pharmacists say they are not too worried about a proposed 15,000-square foot Walgreen's pharmacy moving into the area.
However, some hope the new pharmacy, if approved, will attempt to hire new pharmacists, rather than lure in-house pharmacists away.
The city's planning commission met in a special session last week to hear the request of a rezoning matter made by Douglas Brothers LLC. The property where the proposed pharmacy would sit is located at the northeast corner of Highway 31, Douglas Avenue and Douglas Lane.
Douglas Brothers is requesting the property be rezoned from R-1 low density single-family residential district to B-3 general business district.
The property sits directly across from Wal-Mart, a store that also houses a pharmacy.
Shannon Thompson, pharmacist at Wal-Mart, will be working near the site if the rezoning is approved by City Council.
But for the most part, many pharmacists say they have loyal customers who depend on a pharmacist they have come to know personally.
Danny Cottrell, owner of the Medical Center Pharmacy, said he is not too worried about losing business if Walgreen's comes to Brewton.
Ronnie Martin, pharmacist at Fred's in East Brewton, agreed.
In Atmore, plans for a new Walgreen's are already under way. The pharmacy will be located on the 2.3-acre plot were the current David's Catfish restaurant sits.
The site has 360 feet of frontage and is 400 feet deep. It will extend from the David's Catfish House sign next to Dollar General, which is located on the right side of the property, to Barnhills, on the other side.
Troy Curtwright, pharmacist at Rite-Aid in Brewton, said Walgreen's is financially sound and is opening a lot of new stores.
A public hearing on the Walgreen's rezoning issue is set for 4 p.m. May 23 at the Brewton Municipal Complex.