By JIM BUTLER

GAEDA commissioners will apparently get an update Tuesday on the search for a site to take a step toward a long-time hope becoming a reality.

Thaddeus Dixon, with Latter & Blum, is on the agenda “regarding project sites.”

The project is believed to be the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority’s discussions with developers proposing to locate a supermarket in South Alexandria, part of a federally designated food desert due to lack of immediate access to supermarket outlet.

The neighborhood can be loosely defined as Lee Street to Willow Glen River Road to I-49 to Lee.

Unsuccessful efforts to attract private enterprise for such date back decades, from the late Ubie Johnson to Israel Curtis Jr. to Johnie Varnado (coincidentally the mother of GAEDA Executive Director Angela Varnado) and other public figures and private citizens.

Now, GAEDA is discussing with EquiHarvest Market locating a 9,000 to 15,000 square feet supermarket in the neighborhood.

Rick Horton and Harlan Victor Jr. have said the market would feature fresh produce, affordable staples and culturally relevant grocery options.

Employees would come from the local labor pool, encouraging workplace development, the company has said.

Development incentives available now that haven’t previously existed lead to renewed interest in such investment.

Also on today’s agenda are two requests for costs assistance:

Up to $30,000 to the Diocese of Alexandria for meals, advertising and marketing for the late June Steubenville South Youth Conference; Up to $7,000 to the Louisiana Animal Control Association for four days of statewide training in July.

And developer Rod Noles will take his oath of office, meaning five of the panel’s seven seats are filled.

The meeting is at 8:30 a.m. at 720 Murray Street.