Photo by George Kunke - Strickland & Sons Excavation Civil Contractors started moving the ground in preparation for the construction of a Dollar General store in South Bend on Robert Bush Drive East.
SOUTH BEND - Groundwork has begun by Strickland & Sons Excavation Civil Contractors in preparation for the construction of the new Dollar General store in South Bend on Robert Bush Drive East (Hwy. 101), across the roadway from Chen's Restaurant & Motel. Construction Workers started last Monday (Feb. 8).
According to on site Supervisor Ken Beaulaurier, the timeline for the job to be completed June 1.
"There's a lot of work to be done, but if everything goes as planned, we expect to be done by June 1st," Beaulaurier said last Wednesday on the job site. Beaulaurier works for Harris Group Construction out of Orange, Calif. "If we can hire locally, we'll hire locally."
"New business in general is good for a city," South Bend Mayor Julie Struck told the Herald Thursday.
An employee at the Dollar General in Westport (who asked to not be identified) said, "We've been here since last July and the people of Westport love it."
Mayor Struck explained the criteria for a new business to open in South Bend. "The criteria for new businesses are listed in the city municipal code as well as any state/federal codes that apply. The city council does not approve/disapprove any business that desires to locate in South Bend. The Pacific County Commissioners do not weigh in on any businesses that locate in any of the cities. Businesses are free to build on any site they own in the city as long as they follow the existing codes/laws. The city cannot discriminate and tell one business they can locate and another that they cannot locate in South Bend."
In other South Bend news, Mayor Struck offered updates on several ongoings. "The city is doing well. Sales tax revenues were up substantially last year due to the higher volume of shopping done locally and online.
"CARES Act funding helped to offset the costs of PPE equipment and ongoing city costs associated with the pandemic," Struck added. "We were also able to provide utility relief to a number of households and businesses and provided direct grants to businesses in South Bend that submitted applications - also using the CARES Act funding.
"The office remains closed to the public due to COVID 19, but I anticipate that the Governor will relax the restrictions in the next few months as more individuals are vaccinated and we will reopen city hall," Struck informed. "The latest time frame I've heard is that by May/June any adult that desires a vaccine will be able to receive one. Once that occurs, I anticipate a greater ability for people to gather and participate in events - indoor or outdoor.
"The damaged recreation dock at Robert Bush Park is still awaiting an insurance determination," Struck said. "Once that is finalized, the contractor will be able to proceed. We are anticipating it will be several months before any work on the site will begin.
Mayor Struck received an appointment from Gov. Inslee recently. Struck was appointed to the Forensics Investigations Council (FIC) to fill a seat held by the Association of Washington Cities.
"Under RCW 43.103.030 (Council created - Powers and Duties) the council shall oversee the bureau of forensic laboratory services and, in consultation with the chief of the Washington state patrol or the chief's designee, control the operation and establish policies of the bureau of forensic laboratory services," Struck explained. "There are several units under FIC oversight including the state crime lab, the state toxicology lab, the state forensics lab and the impaired driving section."
As far as the Yellow Deli restaurant goes, Struck said, "They are still going through the permitting process."
In closing, Mayor Struck said, "The Mary Rogers Pioneer Park is now complete and the restrooms are open as of (March 11). It is a beautiful oasis in downtown South Bend. We are extremely grateful to the anonymous donor that so generously provided the funds to construct this park."