Dollar General store is in the works for Gilman community

It’s true, a Dollar General is planned for Gilman, after initial approval was received to start the project from the Gilman Village Board July 13. A public hearing was held to recommend a change in zoning from rural development to commercial, for the proposed property in question, along State Hwy. 64, just east of the main part of Gilman.

Todd Platt, Platt Development Corporation, out of Appleton, was on hand for the hearing, to answer any questions the board or public might have. Platt said his corporation builds 20-25 stores a year, for Dollar General, throughout Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. In the beginning of searching for a new site, the Dollar General corporate office directs Platt and his associates to communities they think might have for an opportunity to build.

“They clearly want to be on Highway 64,” said Platt. “We were a little bit challenged here in this community.”

Because the store will need a fairly large parcel, once all other possible avenues within the main part of Gilman, Platt moved slightly farther out. Jim Lundberg, director of engineering with Point of Beginning, said the store will be a 10,600 square foot structure, with the front facing the highway (south). The majority of the parking will be in the front of the building, with 35 spaces.

Lundberg also pointed out that the driveway will need to be wider for truck delivery. However, the semis – who usually only make one delivery a week, in offhours – will make a complete turnaround.

“There’s no backing up on the highway and causing a traffic concern,” said Platt.

Cheryl Rosemeyer, village trustee, said she had wondered about a driveway and how hard it will be to gain approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT). Rosemeyer asked if there is an existing drive, but Lundberg says the current access wouldn’t facilitate a driveway, as it’s more agricultural in nature. However, Lundberg and Platt are proposing a shared access drive to the DOT, to allow for any future development.

There is a contingent offer to purchase the site from the current property owner, based on all local and state approval for the project, with a $1 million budget. Platt says they will try to invest in the community, as well as adding to the tax base, and there will be six to 10 jobs created, which have good benefit packages.

Jim Flood, village building inspector, questioned the use of any overhead lights in the parking lot, since there is a residence next to the property. Lundberg said that would be accommodated by grade, as the space will sit lower than the adjacent property, with the lights facing down. A provision could also be added for landscaping and any other concerns.

The Dollar General store would need have a sewer septic system, but will have low usage, as it is too far out from the village to tap into the sanitary system. Platt says the construction is a four to five-month process, with a pretty standard design. Platt and Lindberg think the store should be open by Thanksgiving, and paved by the time cold weather hits, if everything works out.

It was more than alright with the village board to welcome the new venture and members approved the zoning change in their regular meeting, as well as choosing 1100 East Main Street as the address of the store.

“We are excited,” said village president Jane DeStaercke.

Platt said they know from experience, that the Dollar General will attract more people to Gilman, and with the increased traffic, they will stop to patronize other businesses in the community.

“It would certainly offer some shopping convenience to the local residents, as well,” said Platt.

That wasn’t the only good news for Gilman, as De-Staercke reported that the Gilman Industrial Foundation purchased the former Superior Choice building for $94,000, through a revolving loan from the Gilman Revolving Loan Committee.

“They plan to have that as a professional space and retail outlet,” said DeStaercke.

Several people are already showing interest in renting spaces in the building, including the school’s store, Pirate Productions. DeStaercke said many people are concerned over the many empty spaces in the village, so this news is good for getting more spaces filled.

“Well, this is a start,” said DeStaercke. “I think it will be a real asset for the community.”

DeStaercke said residents should also be very thankful for the internet services that are in progress. Taylor County has agreed to extend fiber, at their expense, to Gilman’s Police Department and fire hall. DeStaercke credits village clerk Candice Grunseth with getting the service to extend to essential emergency outlets.

“She did a real good job of stepping up for the village,” said DeStaercke. “This broadband internet can only help us attract people.”