Cottage Grove is set to welcome a new Kwik Trip convenience store following the Cottage Grove Planning Commission's approval of a conditional use permit and site plan review during their meeting on February 24, 2025. The proposed store will be located at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 90 Fifth Street, on a currently vacant lot south of Fire Station Number 4.

The city has entered into a purchase agreement with WAG Farms Inc. to acquire the property, which is part of the Lake Flora Second Edition plat approved in 2023. This development is part of a broader initiative to expand the city's business park and improve its regional stormwater system. The Kwik Trip store is expected to create 25 to 30 jobs and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To minimize environmental impact, Kwik Trip has adjusted its site layout to avoid disturbing nearby wetlands and a tributary identified during an aquatic resource study. The convenience store will feature a fuel dispenser canopy and a commercial diesel dispenser canopy, with three driveways constructed off 90 Fifth Street to accommodate larger truck traffic.

The project includes plans for an 8-foot wide trail to enhance pedestrian access and an encroachment agreement with the city to ensure continued access to the city's compost site. The store will also meet all zoning requirements, including parking provisions, with a total of 58 parking spaces proposed.

In addition to the store, the development will incorporate landscaping that meets city code requirements, including the planting of trees and shrubs. A double-faced monument sign is planned for the corner of Jamaica and 90 Fifth Street, complying with the city's signage regulations.

The Planning Commission's recommendations will now move to the City Council for final approval, with conditions set to expire 18 months from the date of council approval. This development marks a significant step in enhancing local business opportunities and improving community infrastructure in Cottage Grove.