Hurdle cleared for Gateway Meat Market expansion

Gateway Meat Market in Dartmouth, N.S., is a step closer to expanding.

On Thursday, Harbour East-Marine Drive community council unanimously voted to approve the market'sdevelopment agreement and require it to be signed within 120 days.

"It is such an essential service they provide to the community," Coun. Sam Austin said ahead of the voteon the grocery store known for its deep discounts.

Gateway Meat Market wants todouble its size for more retail and storage space.

The storeusually has a long line of peoplewaiting to get in. One of the features of the expansion willbean awning to protect customers from the elements during peak times.

Plans also include a dedicated meat prep room, doubling on-site storage and warehousing.

"I think it's great, andbecause of Gateway, we have so many people able to live eating nutritional food," said Gloria McCluskey, a former Dartmouth mayor and one-time Halifaxregional councillor.

McCluskey was the only person who registered to speak at the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Though the development agreement has been approved, there are still concerns about traffic in the area around the store.

A staff member told council the expansion shouldn't makeexisting traffic issues in the area any worse.

Coun. Trish Purdy, who supported the expansion, said there eventually needs to be a functional study done on Main Street near Highway 7.