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For $225,000, city moving Redi-Mix to industrial park
by Rick DeClue · News · May 05, 2016
On Monday, the West Branch City Council approved a land swap with Croell Redi-Mix, Inc. that will relocate the cement plant from the heart of the city to the Industrial Park south of Interstate 80.
To do that, the city will buy land from Rummells Farms, Inc. The council approved buying for $225,000 approximately 12 acres of Rummells property.
The city intends to subdivide the parcel to give eight acres to Croell in exchange for its site downtown, with the remaining four acres for future development.
The city council met at least twice in the past few weeks in closed session to discuss the land purchase before Monday’s announcement.
Croell will construct a new plant before leaving its current four-acre site at 325 E. Green Street, which runs north-south between College Street and Main Street.
Croell will be responsible for demolishing the current plant with the exception of two small buildings unrelated to their operations.
Mayor Roger Laughlin introduced the discussion by saying, “Now we have some real exciting stuff to talk about.”
He went on to explain the opportunity to revitalize an important section in the middle of the city, providing a use that will be much more compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. In particular,the improvement to the east side of town can address an area the council has often said might not receive its share of attention in city planning.
The city plans to construct park amenities at Wapsi Creek Park to the southwest and to rebuild the College Street bridge to the west.
“This will have a big impact on the city of West Branch,” said City Administrator Matt Muckler. “And it is important that the city is not losing a business.”
He and the mayor expressed their appreciation to both Croell and Rummell’s president, Susan Kinsey, for their cooperation and shared efforts in this transaction. Muckler said Susan Kinsey and her husband David have a deep commitment to West Branch.
“They also played a key part in bringing Altorfers to the city,” he said.
City attorney Kevin Olson said this deal represents a “win-win” for both the city and Croell.
“The company gets a bigger site for their operation, good access to the interstate and they get to avoid traffic congestion downtown,” he said. “The city gets control of a key piece of land that can be developed for a more compatible use.”
The city will also benefit on the tax side. According to Muckler, the bulk of the Croell site, including the cement plant, has an assessed value of $125,000.
“Anything new on the site will exceed that,” he said. “The Rummells ground is currently being farmed, so its taxes are minor. In addition to the new cement plant, the city will have an additional four acres for future industrial or commercial development.” He described the future of the last piece as “wait and see.”
After the two unanimous votes in favor, the mayor thanked the council for its support.
“In a few years, this (the redeveloped cement plan site) could be a real nice district for the city,” he said.
For additional city perspective on this action, see Page 3 of this week’s Times.
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