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MEDFORD Costco tables plans for new store near Trader Joe's Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 12, 2015 at 4:03 PM Updated May 13, 2015 at 11:43 AM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 12, 2015 at 4:03 PM Updated May 13, 2015 at 11:43 AM » RELATED CONTENT • Costco considers Central Point for relocation » Social News Costco has tabled plans to build a new, larger store at Northgate Centre Marketplace next to Trader Joe’s after Medford planners — and the public — expressed concerns about potential traffic problems. “We are looking at all options,” said Ron Vachris, senior vice president of operations for Costco. “We are looking at a couple of different sites." Costco, which had prepared extensive plans for the project, this week canceled a Friday public hearing with the Medford Site Plan and Architectural Commission. The big box retailer has not ruled out the Northgate site, but it has set aside plans to move forward there immediately. The decision follows a review by Medford planners that found the Costco parking lot layout could create pedestrian and vehicle problems at one of the main entrances to the proposed 155,548-square-foot warehouse store. The site is off North Central Avenue, between East McAndrews Road and Rossanley Drive. News that some Costco traffic would share the entrance to the Trader Joe's area elicited a long string of complaints from local residents. The city has received complaints that the entrance into Trader Joe's parking lot is too narrow and its parking slots too small. Craig Ramey, senior vice president and senior marketing officer in Oregon and Washington for Regency Centers, which is developing the property, previously has said the traffic in the shopping center would flow better once the entire project was built. Ramey could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon, but Vachris acknowledged that traffic is a factor the company is considering. “We want to look at all those things," Vachris said, "including traffic and all those issues that affect a community.” He added that the 15-acre site in the Northgate Centre is large enough for a Costco. Vachris said he couldn’t disclose the other locations his company is looking at, or whether they are in Medford. “I really can’t go into that,” he said. “We don’t want to give out misinformation.” According to documents filed with the city, Costco was planning to close its existing store to open the new store and gas station. Vachris said that even though his company canceled the meeting this week, it doesn’t mean it has given up on the Northgate Centre site. “That’s a pretty big decision as to where to put a Costco,” he said. “We’re not done with that site.” Deputy City Manager Chris Reising said he didn’t know the reasons why Costco tabled the project. “They notified us yesterday that they were withdrawing the site application,” he said. Councilor Michael Zarosinski said companies spend a lot of time analyzing sites, and it’s important for the city to carefully review those plans, particularly regarding traffic flow. “We have to make sure we can get vehicles in and out in a safe manner,” he said. Zarosinski also didn’t know why Costco decided to withdraw its application for site review. “In general, I’m happy they are still in town,” he said. “Obviously, the site didn’t work out to be the best for them.” Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted May. 12, 2015 at 4:03 PM Updated May 13, 2015 at 11:43 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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