Kum & Go Remains Committed to Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Residents in a southeast neighborhood of Cedar Rapids are not happy that Kum & Go is planning a convenience store in the area and they are raising their voices in opposition to the possible development. However, the West Des Moines-based c-store operator remains committed to the community.

"More than 25 years ago, Kum & Go established our first store in Cedar Rapids and despite past flooding devastation in the downtown area and difficult economic times in eastern Iowa -- Kum & Go remains deeply committed to this community," said company spokesperson Catherine Huggins in a statement to CSNews Online.

"Two months ago, we opened a beautiful new store near Kirkwood College. We also anticipate building several other quality Kum & Go stores in 2011-12. Each new store opened by Kum & Go represents an investment of $3 to $4 million and employs 10-15 associates," she explained. "We strongly believe Cedar Rapids is a vibrant community and are extremely excited to be part of this community's future."

The debate stems around Kum & Go's plans to build on Mount Vernon Road and Memorial Drive South East. However, according to a report by KGAN, residents are concerned that the new c-store will bring more crime and traffic to the neighborhood.

"The traffic on Mount Vernon Road is out of control. People do not slow down. Kids cross that street to get to school. You put a gas station there and kids have to worry about people flying down the street," on resident said at a meeting with local officials Monday night.

Residents also questioned if the light from the location will make it hard for them to sleep, the news outlet added. And one resident said he is afraid the noise will make it impossible for him to sleep with the window open in the summer.

Kum & Go operates more than 400 stores. It has one location in Cedar Rapids, at 30 Four Oaks Drive, and one each in nearby Marion and North Liberty, Iowa.

Kum & Go's plan goes to the Cedar Rapids Planning Commission for a vote on Thursday, Nov. 17.

 

X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds