I think the folks in the neighborhood immediately southeast would go through the roof over a light industrial proposal (I'm not even sure if the new zoning permits it). Granted, they'd probably go through the roof over any proposal up to and including a Whole Foods, but I do think a distribution center would probably be a non-starter. And keep in mind that Benderson bought the former Macy's building, so they'll have some say in ensuring any development is compatible with their future plans for the property.
It's true that we're over-retailed in a time where we're shedding a lot of brick and mortar retail. And some major players have put big bets on distribution centers in traditional mall settings. But I can't help but think that our goofy retail pendulum will likely swing back from this weird plaza fad right around the time a) Shoppingtown redevelopment plans get permitted and financed, and b) all those ex-Shoppingtown tenants on the boulevard come off their initial lease terms and are ready for a developer to finance new and exciting spaces for them. Throw in a theatre operator, a mid-sized hotel, a grocery store, a senior living facility, and some detached housing and there's your new downtown DeWitt.