News In Wood River

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Residential

Rock Hill Trails subdivision is undergoing the first phase of infrastructure improvements. The development, which focuses on sustainability and environmental conservation, plans to complete the first model home in May 2008. For more information visit www.rockhilltrails.com.

Lots are for sale in the new Grand View Hills subdivision located at the intersection of Moreland Road and Rt. 143. 82 lots are available including 51 walk outs. Contact Brian Jessup at 636-530-6050 for more information.

Plans are moving forward with developers who recently acquired approximately 65 acres along Ninth Street. Plans include residential and commercial components.

Commercial

Nearly all the space is filled within the new Wood River Plaza development which houses the 204,000 square foot Wal-Mart Supercenter. New businesses include: Applebees, Quizno’s, Steak-n-Shake, China Buffet, Shoe Department, Radio Shack, Dollar Tree, Today Nail Spa, St. Louis Grille and Buffet, Papa John’s Pizza, Hallmark, Sally Beauty Supply, US Cellular, American Eye and Contact Lenses, GameStop, GNC.

The newest occupant of Wood River Plaza is an 18,000 square foot Office Max expected to open its doors in May 2008. Preliminary site plans have been developed for a Wendy’s restaurant to be located on Rt. 111 adjacent to the existing Blockbuster. Opening day is expected near the end of 2008.

Auto Centers Nissan and Federico Chrysler-Dodge are open for business. The new dealerships offer more than 1,000 vehicles for sale on their new 10 acre site at the intersection of Rt. 143 and Lakin Blvd. A grand opening celebration is planned for May 2008.

YTB, International (Your Travel Biz) has moved into the previously vacant K-Mart building on Rt. 143 and currently occupies 20,000 square feet of renovated space on the west end of the building. Approximately 150 employees are currently located there and plans have begun for phase II renovations to the remaining 100,000 square feet of space. Renovations are expected to exceed $12 million and provide a state of the art facility. The company expects to triple their employment staff within the next few years.

The Bank of Edwardsville plans to open its newest banking facility on March 31, 2008. The facility is located on the former Wood River Bowl property on Rt. 111 near the intersection of Rt. 143.

Cloverleaf Bank is preparing to open its newest facility in May 2008. The facility is locate at the intersection of Madison Ave. and Rt. 111.

The new Walgreens and new McDonald’s are both open for business at the corner of Rt 111 and Edwardsville Road.

City Infrastructure

The City has completed a $1.2 million storm water improvement project in the Old St. Louis Road industrial corridor. The project is expected to alleviate flooding caused by heavy rainfalls. The project received partial funding from a Madison County grant.

The reactivator project has been completed which provides the City with a redundant water system in case of emergency or unexpected shut-down of the main system.

The City issued $2.6 million in debt certificates to fund various improvements to the aged water system. Improvements include: two new water wells, touchread meter reading system, SCADA system (plant automation), high service pumps, new water lines, exterior water tower(s) painting, and upgrades to plant equipment.

$2.5 million in TIF funds were used for the construction of a new 750,000 gallon water tower, pump station, access road, and water lines near the I-255 interchange at the intersection of Rt 111.

Recently, the City purchased an asphalt paver and now paves streets within a certain area of the City each year. The budget for the current year doubled so that twice as many streets as usual will receive new pavement. The budget for the 08/09 fiscal year is $300,000. The street department plans to eventually pave all streets within the City.