Mount Vernon will likely add a couple more lighted intersections — one on Business 30 near Cottonwood Trails apartment complex and one on Hwy. 1 inter-section with Rachel Street — in the next couple years.
We agree with City Administrator Chris Nosbisch it was really a matter of when, not who, that would determine extending infrastructure to the west side of Highway 1 for future developments. With the Highway 30 bypass, it was only a matter of time before a convenience store or another fast-food restaurant was looking at Mount Vernon as a destination of choice.
As Paul Tuerler noted, there are a limited number of direct truck stops or gas stations located directly off Highway 30 from Mount Vernon to Meskwaki Truck Stop. Yes, there are a few in Cedar Rapids that will do in a pinch at Westdale or Kirkwood, but if you’re not as familiar with those areas, seeing a gas station as you’re coming on it from the road and your tank is floating near that E mark means you’re more likely to pull over.
Infrastructure improvements are never cheap. Nosbisch was making sure most of the council was on board before moving further with any development agreement and getting attorneys involved. Even if KwikTrip decides it isn’t in their best interest to develop there, that infrastructure extension was floated in the past for Mount Vernon when the bypass was first discussed and again when it came closer to completion.
The council was mindful of the impact of development in the Business 30 area as well. They completed an overlay onto the Business 30 area for what development would look like, including what types of materials are appropriate to fit the aesthetic.
The intersections may still be a few years down the road, but they are a sign of new commercial infrastructure and development in new areas of this community that, like Tuerler noted, may be the start of Mount Vernon building something that will lead more people to start coming in our direction.
Pursuing grants and other funding for these projects is also a smart move to make, as it will add to the future value of our city.