(Spencer)– A major hurdle for the Hy-Vee expansion project in downtown Spencer has been cleared.
The Spencer city council Monday unanimously backed a development agreement that will pave the way for a new 50-thousand square foot Hy-Vee grocery store and adjacent gas station to be built on land formerly occupied by the Jubilee store.
They took the action following a public hearing that drew opposition from only two people. Six others spoke in favor of the proposal.
With two councilmen absent Monday, the council voted five-to-nothing to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to vacate and sell the street and alley rights-of-way to Hy-Vee. They’ll consider the ordinance at their next meeting June 20th.
Another road block was getting approval from the city’s Board of Adjustment for a special exception use permit for the Hy-Vee convenience store. City Attorney Don Hemphill told the council the board approved the permit Monday morning on a vote of three-to-one with one abstention.
The Spencer city council will meet with the Planning and Zoning Commission next week to consider amending the Urban Renewal District to include the Hy-Vee project.
If the project receives final approval, construction could start early next year.
(Story from Danielle Hitchings of sister station KDWD Hot 100 in Spencer.).
