By DEANA STROISCH
The State Journal-Register
Posted Jan 08, 2013
Construction of a Hy-Vee grocery store along MacArthur Boulevard is expected to begin this spring, after Springfield aldermen Tuesday unanimously agreed to provide the company with $3.5 million in tax increment financing.
The agreement passed without debate.
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin thanked local businesses and agencies, such as the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Town & Country Shopping Center, for making pledges to jump-start the TIF district.
“Hy-Vee will transform a blighted block into an oasis and restore pride to nearby neighborhoods that felt abandoned by major retailers in recent years,” McMenamin said.
Hy-Vee plans to build a full-service grocery store and a gasoline station-convenience store on the site of the old Kmart at 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd., along with the adjoining building that formerly housed
Spillway Lanes bowling alley. The company also recently purchased the former Town & Country Shell station, which closed in October.
Mayor Mike Houston said residents have wanted a grocery store on MacArthur since Schnucks closed in 1996.
“I think this is really a great opportunity for not only the residents of the Macarthur Boulevard area, but for the entire community in terms of really removing an eyesore and having a major development that will be a catalyst for other activity up and down the boulevard,” Houston said.