Mavis Tires Withdraws Plans for New Northport Store Over Facebook Furor

Representatives for Mavis Discount Tires are stepping back from a plan to build a new store in Northport after a weekend of public outcry on social media.

Mavis had asked the Northport City Council for permission to construct and operate a new store at 1200 Mitt Lary Road near the Publix Super Market at Bristol Park.

The shop would have been between the existing Allegra Family Clinic and Taco Bell there.

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Their proposal was heard months ago by the city's planning and zoning committee, was recommended for adoption, and was introduced for a first reading earlier this year without opposition.

Days before a vote on the matter was scheduled, though, council president Jeff Hogg took to Facebook and said he wanted more feedback after four citizens reportedly reached out to complain about the proposal.

His post drew more than 200 comments, the vast majority of which were opposed to Mavis opening in that location.

Even after Hogg updated his followers Monday afternoon to say Mavis was withdrawing their petition to weigh all the negative feedback, several people attended the Northport City Council meeting later Monday evening to make sure their opposition to the store was heard.

Attorney Bryan Winter attended the meeting on behalf of Mavis Discount Tires and said no one is interested in opening a business where the community doesn't want it.

"We did have a first reading of this about six weeks ago and the planning commission meeting was about a month before that and I really didn't hear any of these comments, so my apologies because we didn't expect this -- because it's been out in the public," Winter said.

Winter asked to speak to leaders representing nearby neighborhoods including Forest Glen, Bristol Park and Belle Meade and said if their concerns couldn't be addressed, the store would find some other place to go.

"I'm here with an open mind," Winter said. "I know where you all stand right now. If you'll work with me and let me know what's going on, I'll try to see if I can get these situations addressed and if not, they're not going to come back [before the council]."

For updates on the property as they develop, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.