West Dundee pushes forward plans for Casey's store, gas station
After struggling to find a use for a difficult-to-develop property along Route 31, West Dundee officials this week pushed forward plans for a Casey's General Store and fueling station.
The convenience store, along with 10 gas pumps, could open later this year at 700 S. Eighth St. if engineering and final development plans come together quickly, Community Development Director Tim Scott said.
The Casey's site layout works well on the oddly shaped property that officials have been trying to market about two years, Scott said. Additionally, he said, the convenience store and gas station concept complements other businesses along the Route 31 corridor.
"Ultimately, the revenue-generating potential is quite promising given the overall retail climate," Scott said, pointing to property, sales, and food and beverage taxes that could be generated from the project. "This use and this proposal reflects the market and takes advantage of the unique lot shape and characteristics."
Casey's is investing roughly $4 million into developing the gas station and store, said Tony Rubino, a representative for the Iowa-based company. The business plans to serve food such as pizza, sandwiches and wraps.
After hearing the company's plans, the village board gave a thumbs-up to granting developers a zoning variance and special use for selling gasoline. The village's approval is contingent upon a set of additional engineering conditions to address concerns expressed by Trustee Tom Price regarding the potential for fuel or oil runoff.
Casey's has about 2,000 locations throughout the Midwest and more than 400 in Illinois, but there are very few in the Chicago area, Rubino said. With the closest stores in Hampshire and Crystal Lake, Casey's is looking to start expanding east, he said.
West Dundee residents have indicated a desire for a general store in the area since a White Hen Pantry across the street closed years ago, Scott said.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to bring a business like that back to the corridor," he said.