Economic Development Committee Gets Update on Commercial Projects

Effingham County's Economic Development Advisory Board Tuesday got an update on several pending commercial projects.

City Economic Development Director Todd Hull, a member of the County committee, said the Meijer store is still a 'go', while admitting that the project is not going to happen in the immediate future. Hull said a turn lane is to be built on Ford Avenue in 2019 to ease access into the Meijer site, east of Kohl's. Construction on the store is to begin the following year.

Hull also said there is no timetable on when Hobby Lobby will open in the former K-Mart location on Keller Drive. He said that work continues on the site.

As to the McAlister's Deli, which is to locate in the former Lonestar building on Hampton Drive, Hull expects the restaurant to open by year's end. The developers are doing a major revamp of the building.

Asked about the Ryan's location, Hull said there is no word on a future tenant, but he wasn't surprised since Ryan's lease on the building doesn't expire for another month.

In other business, committee chairman Dave Campbell reported that Mark Anders, who operated a cardboard recycling business in the area until going out of business, did not file for bankruptcy as was earlier believed. State's Attorney Bryan Kibler took the matter to court and a judge ordered Anders to begin a monthly payback to the County of the amount he owes.

Campbell also reported that the County has almost $50,000 in funds available to those wishing to start or expand a business in the county. The County loans the money at 3% interest. Contact the County Board office at 342-4990 if you'd like more information.