The Stuart City Council approved items pertaining to the Casey’s General Store expansion project at their recent meeting.

The Council held a public hearing regarding the sale of Lot A of Marks Business Park, located on the southwest corner of Southwest 7th and South Gaines streets for $500. Some confusion was heard among residents about what the City was intending to sell, thinking the purchase was for South Gaines Street, which the Council already held a public hearing to vacate last June but then tabled it pending a development agreement with Casey’s. City Attorney Beverly Wild explained that she didn’t find this proposed sale unusual and she followed Iowa Code in setting the price drafting the proposal. The purchase was approved on a 4-1 vote with Councilmember Mick Askren dissenting.

The Council then approved setting a public hearing date on May 11th to approve the agreement for the construction of a new store, fuel pumps, and a new parking lot on the north side of Southwest 7th Street. It will also consist of street improvements along Southwest 7th and Division streets, and the construction of the new Southwest 8th Street connector road going from Division Street then between Casey’s and Burger King to Southwest 8th Street, replacing South Gaines Street. Total estimated improvements by Casey’s is estimated at $5 million, and no city bond debt will be issued.