The first formal steps of what officials say is a $10 million project for one local development took place this morning in front of the Bridgeport Development Authority. The BDA approved a business sustainability grant for a planned 202,000 square foot retail establishment at Charles Pointe.

 

Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman made the formal request for the grant (which abates the company from 90 percent of business and occupation taxes in their first year of operation and 40 percent in years two and three) for the first-ever Menards to come into West Virginia.

 

Menards is considered a chain of home improvement business that has locations featured primarily in the Midwestern United States. The privately held company has its home operations in Wisconsin with roughly 300 stores in 14 states.

 

“This is a great project,” said City Manager Kim Haws. “We need something like this on that end of the community.”

 

The BDA approved the grant. The vote was unanimous.

 

“It’s an incentive to get businesses here,” said BDA President John Stogran.

 

Spellman said in his discussions with officials from Menards that “they are under contract for the purchase of 17 acres.” The site for the new business has not yet been determined, but the general geographical area of the Charles Pointe development has, Spellman said. He added that officials from the company have pointed out the area where they believe to be headed during talks with City Clerk Andrea Kerr.

 

“This is the steep hillside on the opposite side of (Jerry Dove Drive) across from the main hillside entering Charles Point. They’re going to be taking the hillside down,” said Spellman. “This would also open up a lot of acreage that Charles Pointe has as part of their planned unit development for that area.”

 

The only issue Spellman said may arise, which he said won’t stop the project, would be the potential relocation of the FAA flight tower in that area. However, he said that issue will be addressed in some manner as the project moves forward.

 

Site plans have not been received by the city. Spellman said this concept is unique and could meet the needs of many on that end of Bridgeport.

 

“They are sort of a Lowes-Walmart combo. This is a pretty big store we’re talking about that will employ 40 full-time and 80 part-time employees with an annual payroll of $2 million. It will be a great company to add to Bridgeport,” said Spellman.

 

The company has multiple sections including appliances, bath, doors, electrical, heating and cooling, kitchen, outdoors, paint, tools, hardware and more. Of particular interest may be that Menards actually has a small grocery store component to it as well that should meet the demands of some asking for a type of grocery configuration to be present on that end of Bridgeport.

 

“The grocery component to it provides a little different mix than we’re used to seeing,” said Haws.

 

Kerr, who has also been in contact with the company, said they have told her they are also looking at a second location. That location, she said, is the Highlands in Wheeling.

 

The company has done more than just apply for the grant. They have also applied for variances on the site to be developed, including parking ratios and a sign variance. Those request were formally made by letter. Spellman said these are signs of a company looking to get moving.

 

“From dealing with the corporate people from Menards this is a project they have on the fast track,” said Spellman.

 

Kerr said officials have indicated to her that they plan on meeting with city officials. She said that meeting will take place toward the end of March.

 

“Hopefully, we’ll get a better understanding at that meeting of their exact plans,” said Kerr.

 

Spellman said the city will do everything it can do to fast track the project if that is the desire of Menards. However, he said site development and other plans will be needed first.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows BDA President John Stogran signing off on the business incentive grant approval, while the full board is shown below.