HAMILTON — Zoning changes initiated for a portion of Main Street would make it difficult for a developer to build a retail chain pharmacy between B and F streets.

        At the request of the Main Street Area Association, City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to direct the Planning Commission to pursue plans to zone the area a local historic district and business planned development.

        Speculation among city officials and residents is that CVS wants to build on Main Street.

        “A national pharmacy chain has contacted the property owners of the north block of Main Street between B and C streets in order to purchase the entire block, demolish the buildings and build a new store with a parking lot in front,” said Roy Bond, president of Main Street Area Association.

        Todd Andrews, a spokesman at CVS headquarters in Rhode Island, said Thursday it is company policy not to comment on any site unless a lease has been signed.

        Mr. Bond said the affected buildings are the historic Burg's Building, which houses the Pen and Ink store and Family Foot Care, Fruition Salon and Flooring Center.

        Local historic district status gives city officials more control to prevent or delay demolition of buildings and control exterior changes and new construction.

        Business planned development zoning restricts uses allowed, requires Planning Commission approval for the development plan and a public hearing.

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