NAPA Auto Parts looking to open new shop in Mt. Vernon

National parts retailer may occupy former Pamida building along Highway 39, which currently sits empty
 
With rezoning of the former Pamida building now done, the way is potentially clear for a NAPA Auto Parts to come to Mt. Vernon.
A property that was zoned M-2, heavy industrial, was rezoned back to its original designation of B-3, general commercial during a meeting of the Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen Tuesday, Nov. 24. The property, the old Pamida building located in west Mt. Vernon at 570 N. Spring Park Blvd., was zoned M-2 in September of 2019.
Terry Moore, code enforcement officer, said the owner of the property, Richard Kelly, requested the rezoning on Oct. 6 because an auto parts store owner in Monett was interested in opening a new location in the building.
“Roger Bilyeu owns a NAPA Auto Parts in Monett and plans on opening one at this location,” he said.
The Pamida building was rezoned M-2 last year in anticipation of it becoming a medical marijuana cultivation facility. However, those plans fell through when the facility was passed over for a license to cultivate medical marijuana in January of this year.
In other business…
Max Springer, city administrator, gave the board updates on three local projects. He told the board that solicitation for bids to build the new Spirit of 76 Park restrooms went out on Friday, Nov. 20, and the bids would have to be submitted by Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. At that time, the bids will be opened and read aloud. Anderson Engineering will review the bids and submit a recommendation to the board on Tuesday, Dec. 22.
Skate park…
Springer also said the solicitation for bids on the skate park went out on Friday, Nov. 20, and were due back by Friday, Dec. 18. At 1 p.m. At that time, the bids will be opened and read aloud, and a recommendation will be made to the board on Tuesday, Dec. 22.
Wynn Park…
The final project Springer spoke about was the work at Wynn Park along Mt. Vernon Boulevard. He said the landscaping still needed to be finished, but he felt the city crew, which has been working on the park, had done a great job.
 Other news…
Springer also told the board that the Lawrence County Emergency Service Board (LCESB) had requested to locate the new dispatch center across the road from the proposed new Sheriff’s Office on Missouri Drive. He told the board that he would be meeting with the LCESB on Thursday, Dec. 3, at the potential site; he invited the board members to join the meeting.
Finally, Assistant Chief of Police Jason Lacey requested permission from the board to hire Mt. Vernon Jennifer Riebe as an officer on the Mt. Vernon Police Department, pending her receiving POST certification; the board approved the request.