Cedar Grove moving forward

The city hopes to begin significant activity in the Cedar Grove Development Area before the end of the year. 

The city council appears to be in agreement to move forward with improvements to a portion of Cedar Grove Boulevard, including the addition of lighting and landscaping. They're in agreement with Cedar Grove business owners; Pratt Development, the master developer of the site; and Cassidy Turley, the firm marketing the project to developers.

A contract was to be awarded on this project at the June 21 city council meeting. But because of the potential state government shutdown and the state funds being used for a portion of these improvements, the council voted to wait until the next regular council meeting -- scheduled for July 5 -- to make a final decision.

At that meeting the council also will likely vote on when to move forward with constructing trails on the south side of Cedar Grove Parkway, as well as the addition of a parking lot on the former Shell service station site at 3830 Cedar Grove Boulevard.

“We’re getting really close on the Cedar Grove area," Mayor Mike Maguire said. “And this is just an affirmation the city is going to continue to throw chips on the table. . . and we aren’t losing confidence in Cedar Grove at all.”

That confidence was almost certainly bolstered by a report from Jim McCaffrey, senior vice president for Cassidy Turley, who reported that he has been in discussion with “legitimate, good-quality prospects” interested in locating in Cedar Grove. These prospects include multi-family, senior housing, and lodging interests.

The timeline for demolition of the Competition Engines, U-Haul, and Larson Automotive buildings is still unknown.

According to Jon Hohenstein, director of community development, an agreement between the city and the owners of Competition Engines allows the company to occupy the Cedar Grove site until their new location, the former Fire Station #2, has been renovated for their use. 

In addition, eminent domain proceedings are still ongoing for the Larson Automotive and U-Haul properties.

Hohenstein indicated that U-haul is looking at relocation options and the ultimate demolition timetable may likely depend how long that selection and relocation process takes, as well the timing of the city's negotiations with the lawyers and owners of the two businesses.