Plans submitted, but work remains

By ELIOT SILL

Staff writer

Dollar General, once thought to be opening in Marion as early as spring, still hasn’t begun construction, but remains committed to the area even if progress has been slower than anticipated.

The Petrous Group, in charge of development for the store, submitted building plans last week.

Economic development director Terry Jones said Tuesday that the group was still completing preliminary work relating to the site. It has until June 4 but may apply for a final extension until July 4.

Upon completion of remaining site work, Jones said, the city has 30 days to correct any issues it has with the contract before executing it.

Once the land officially transfers hands, construction can begin.

Jones said the city still needed to obtain a conditional use permit to allow retail business on what is zoned as light industrial land.

“I have all the paperwork for that filled out and ready to go, just waiting on the green light from the developer,” he said.

Jones said the developers were being pushed by Dollar General’s corporate offices to open the store “sooner rather than later.”