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EDC: Grocery feasible long-term; commerce park attracts an international prospect
Summary
Don Smith of the city’s economic development council said a recent $18,000 grocery feasibility study shows households can support a quality regional grocer but not a large national chain in the near term; he also reported a high-profile prospect is considering the Commerce Park and the city is pursuing infrastructure grants.
Don Smith, representing the city’s economic development council, told the Springville City Council the regional grocery feasibility study — which cost about $18,000 — showed household income medians higher than expected and identified the interstate interchange site as the highest-volume location for a future store. "He felt like the interstate interchange would be the highest volume grocer if it were to go there," Don Smith said.
Smith said the consultant did not expect a major national grocer to enter the market immediately but recommended pursuing a quality regional brand. He added that market timing could be five to seven years: "He felt like it was still another five to seven years out." The study and outreach materials were shared with property owners and brokers to encourage private-sector investment; Smith said the city does not own developable parcels in the target area.
On related economic development work, Smith said the Commerce Park has drawn an international prospect that expressed interest in the entire park. He credited the mayor and others for a successful prospect visit and said the city is coordinating with state and utility partners. "They presented to their executive team, so we're waiting to hear back," Smith said.
Smith also said the city is pursuing an Apple grant through the regional planning commission to fund a traffic/feasibility study so a dedicated turn lane could be built at the interstate entrance, reducing conflict with local traffic. He described the infrastructure work as a precondition to attract and safely serve larger industrial or commercial users.
Why this matters: The EDC’s report frames a long-term strategy for retail and industrial growth in Springville. A nearby grocer would change local access to food and the Commerce Park prospect could bring jobs and large-scale investment, but both depend on private-sector decisions and infrastructure improvements.
Next steps: Smith said the city and property owners will continue outreach to grocers and brokers and will return to council with updates if the prospect advances or if grant applications for infrastructure are successful.
