Tipp City hopes new Casey’s General Store will spark more development

A Casey’s General Store is making its way to Tipp City.

Plans for a Tipp City location on just more than 2 acres off Interstate 75’s Exit 69 at County Road 25A and Donn Davis Way have been discussed for a year.

The Tipp City Council took another step toward the gas station/convenience store project becoming reality, voting this week to approve a construction agreement.

“There is no timeline yet,” City Manager Tim Eggleston said of construction. “They have a lot of them (stores) under contract and in the construction phase.”

Eggleston said hopes are the Casey’s project will spur more development of the property at and near the intersection.

“The administration is praying that this does spur more development in the area,” he said. “This project certainly helps.”

Casey’s, which markets itself as “Famous for Pizza,” has made a recent push into Ohio with its gas stations and convenience stores. Casey’s stores also are located in Huber Heights, Greenville, Centerville and Clayton among other area communities. The company is based in Ankeny, Iowa.

Established in 1968, Casey’s General Stores Inc., (NASDAQ: CASY) operates more than 2,000 stores in 15 states. Only 17 percent of the company’s stores are found in areas with populations of 20,000 or more, according to company data. The company plans to build or acquire 90 to 120 stores in fiscal year 2018, according to its second quarter results.

The construction agreement covers items such as plans, engineer’s estimates of costs, inspection fees and testing/surety requirements. It also notes work needed including modifying a crosswalk, adding ADA ramps, replacing loop detectors, storm sewer work and pavement markings, all in Donn Davis Way.

In January, the city council approved a change in the city sign regulations, increasing the limit for freestanding commercial signs to 90 feet from 75 feet.

The change following a zoning appeals board denial of a request by Casey’s General Store for a 100-foot highway sign due to the location of its property. People representing the company said the added height was needed for a sign to be visible from the interstate. Council later approved 90 feet because ordinances allow a 10 percent waiver in the height that can be approved by city staff.

The 69 exit also includes the Arbogast vehicle dealership and a Circle K across Donn Davis Way from the project site.

About the Author