Residents Concerned Over Northwest Cedar Rapids Grocery Expansion

The rapid ongoing growth and development in the convenience store domain seems to be starting to run its course in Cedar Rapids.

Last week, plans for a new Kwik Star on First Avenue were quickly tabled based on neighborhood objections, and Cedar Rapids' Brandi Benda will be logging into a Wednesday night Zoom presentation, hoping she can speak her peace against new convenience store expansion in her neighborhood on Cedar Rapids' northwest side.

Cedar Rapids residents there rely heavily on the Johnson Avenue Hy-Vee but a planned expansion of the store is facing objections in the area.

KCRG says the reconstruction will require the demolition of adjacent homes and neighbors in the area are concerned about the increased traffic it will bring. Brandi, who lives near the store told KCRG

We don’t need a gas station here. What we do need are homes, for families

Benda says a similar proposal was presented in 2018 that would have demolished three homes and just as she fought it then, she and others are doing so now. The addition of an Aisles Online accessory building and a Fast & Fresh convenience store does have its supporters. Jacob Loomis and his fiance say the pros (convenience) outweigh the cons (traffic, noise, extra bright lighting).

There will be a virtual Zoom meeting for neighbors in the area who, like Benda, should have received a mailing about it in recent weeks, to discuss Hy-Vee's proposals and their impact on their neighborhood.

Christina Gayman of Hy-Vee's Aisles Online touts her department as one of the largest-growing components of Hy-Vee's business model in the past year and a half, saying they've seen a 300 percent increase in customers using online ordering and pick-up.