Linwood shopping center rehab passes, an effort to boost the east side

File photo. Officials announced plans for the Linwood Shopping Center last year.

File photo. Officials announced plans for the Linwood Shopping Center last year.

The city council on Thursday approved two ordinances to launch the $14.9 million redevelopment of the faded Linwood shopping center.

The project, pursued by city officials for years, would put in a new 38,000 square feet grocery store and renovate 26,500 square feet of retail space.

The site at 31st and Prospect, once the site of the St. Joseph hospital, was redeveloped years ago, prospered for some time but then deteriorated. The last grocery store there closed in 2007.

Even if the new center meets financial projections, city officials say they might have to pay at least $500,000 a year to subsidize it for two decades or more.

Scott Taylor, chair of the planning and zoning committee, said, “Sometimes the city has to step in and give a little boost. In this case, it’s a large boost.”

“It is unique,” he said, “but we have to use unique approaches to get things done.”

When it comes to east side development, Mayor Sly James said, “The only way to get things done is to add a little kicker.”

He added, “This is an emotional, symbolic foray to show people we are going to take steps to do things on the east side that matter.”

The city is also pressing the federal government for funds to start a Prospect MAX bus line, among other efforts for the area.

 

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