The first section of the proposed new Kroger development could open this month, Rincon City Council officials learned.

While the planned new Kroger grocery store is set to open in either May or June next year, according to engineer Paul Harrell of Robertson, Loia and Roof. Council members also approved a preliminary site plan for a commercial building that will be owned by Kroger.

The building will be known as the “Shops at Rincon,” and will be 12,600 square feet. It will have eight or nine units, which are typically 20 feet wide by 70 feet deep.

Once the new Kroger is built and ready to open, the current Kroger will close.

“There will be no interruption in service,” said Harrell, who was substituting for Arahn Hawkins of Kroger’s real estate division. “The existing Kroger will shut down and the new will open the next day.”

The proposed 113,000 Kroger Marketplace, under construction along Columbia Avenue near the Fort Howard Road intersection, will replace the 44,000 square foot store further south on Highway 21.

Kroger also wants to open the fuel center before it opens the new store and is working the city and the state Department of Transportation on access. The DOT has indicated it would allow access through the existing Brentwood Drive, according to Harrell.

Council members also have approved City Manager Wesley Corbitt’s recommendation to appoint Dulcia King as city clerk.