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"There comes a time when you have to let go," Lewter said.
Now, the property will be part of Amberly Village, a new shopping complex that will showcase a Publix supermarket.
On Thursday, officials held a groundbreaking, though work to clear the land has already begun.
It was just last week when a nearby Harris Teeter announced it was shutting down in mid-September. But Sempler Development is confident the growing Cary market will support another grocery store.
"West Cary is growing rapidly with residential growth and is really underserved from a grocery standpoint," said Josh Beyer, of Sempler.
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The project was originally met with opposition from some residents, but the development team said that through a community dialogue, they've been able to win over some opponents with a "pedestrian-friendly" design.
"We've got a main street with wide sidewalks and public gathering areas that will allow people to congregate," Beyer said.
As for the Lewter family, it will take some adjusting.
"It's a big change," said Grover Lewter, who said he and his wife, Peggy, "grew up in this community."
The Lewters said they plan to be back here when the Publix opens.