ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The iconic downtown Gaze Seed company on Buchanan Street is gazing at a new spot at 1 Campbell Ave.
The company has submitted a change of non-conforming use application to the city, requesting permission to change 1 Campbell Ave. to a retail space selling seeds, soil, garden tools and similar products.
According to its application to the city, it plans to operate at the new location seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and employ four to six people. The application notes that on-site parking will be provided.
Gaze Seed owner Peter Byrne had previously said a lack of parking was an obstacle for the downtown location.
In a post to the company’s website, Byrne said back in September he had been planning to relocate the business for some time because the lack of parking and street visibility were “obstacles” for the business.
Byrne said in September that he wanted to see the store remain in the downtown or centre city area, so the Campbell Avenue location fits the bill.
“We don’t want to try and compete with the big box stores. We’re a different kind of business, more personal and specialized. We like the downtown, local vibe,” reads Byrne’s September blog post.
Last fall, JAG Hotel acquired several buildings, including one that housed Gaze Seed as well as Technip, and it also bought the John Howard Society building.
Residents wanting to express concern or support for Gaze Seed’s change of non-conforming use application were required to submit written statements to the city by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Those submissions will be included in the regular meeting of city council on Monday, Feb. 11, when council will make a decision on the amendment.
Twitter: @juanitamercer_
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