Kroger has announced plans to expand its Cherokee Plaza store, but some Brookhaven residents are concerned that the updated grocery store will not meet the community’s zoning requirements.

“I think there’s some elements of the plan – a new and improved Kroger, we hope, is a good thing – but the way they’re going about it doesn’t necessarily address some of the community’s concerns,” said Jim Eyre of the Ashford Park Civic Association.

A Brookhaven-specific zoning overlay district aims to guide development by requiring new buildings to implement certain features.

Eyre said residents would like Kroger to include better pedestrian access along Colonial Drive and Peachtree Road and add sidewalks and landscaping.

“We understand that while their expansion may not include the entire [Cherokee Plaza shopping] center, enough construction is going on that we feel they need to make some improvements,” Eyre said.

A spokesman for Kroger said plans for the new space include a walk-up pharmacy, a new storefront and additional specialty items.

Andrew Baker, interim director of the DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department, said county staff members are reviewing the Kroger Co.’s plans for the site.

“In the overlay process, we always have a meeting with a representative from the neighborhood, the district commissioner, super district commissioner and staff to discuss the drawings,” Baker said. “All of that needs to happen and we’ll compile all that information and give it to the applicant so they can make any changes, revisions and so forth so we can finalize and approve something that’s in keeping with the overlay district.”

Kathy Forbes, who lives in the nearby Brookhaven Heights neighborhood, said neighbors are realistic about their requests because they understand that the store is being remodeled within the existing shopping center.

“We also recognize that full compliance of the building structure is not feasible,” Forbes said. “Our comments focus on the building façade, site layout, access to the shopping center and the street frontage.”

The overlay requires new construction to have a more urban look, with buildings close to the street and parking behind. Cherokee Plaza is a more traditional suburban shopping center, with the parking lot in front of the stores.

“What you’re really aiming for is what we have on Dresden [Drive] already,” Forbes said, referring to the pedestrian-friendly development that includes restaurants, shops and apartments.

Forbes said residents feel it’s important that businesses follow the overlay standards.

“We’re looking for a consistent streetscape along that whole corridor of Peachtree,” she said.

Kroger plans to expand into three small commercial spaces in the shopping center, adding an additional 25,000 square feet.

Eyre said area residents hope that by getting involved early in the process, they can influence the final project.

“What we’re trying to do is avoid what happened with Walgreens,” Eyre said, referring to the Walgreens pharmacy proposed at the corner of Peachtree Road and Colonial Drive. The proposed design has drawn criticism from residents, who argue it does not meet the overlay zoning requirements.

Walgreens is appealing the DeKalb County Zoning Board of Appeals decision to deny the company a variance to the overlay requirements.