Land Purchase Moves Atlanta Truck Stop Project Forward

 

[December 14, 2019] 

Harikrishna, LLC of Jacksonville, IL completed its purchase of seven+ acres from the City of Atlanta, IL on December 2, 2019. The sale was a final step needed by Harikrishna to begin construction of a $5.8 million dollar truck stop at the I-55 interstate interchange on Atlanta’s east side. The facility is designed to serve truck drivers and automobiles, and will include a convenience store, Dairy Queen restaurant, and car wash. Approximately 40-50 new full and part time jobs will be created. Shell gas will be sold at the site and diesel sales will be handled by Ambest.

The City of Atlanta and Harikrishna, LLC signed a development agreement for the project last March. “Construction work was anticipated to begin this past summer, but surveying, permitting, and title work delayed its start” said Atlanta Mayor, Adam McVey. “We’re pleased to have concluded the sale of the land and now look forward to construction work beginning,” he added. Harikrishna principal, Bishap Patel noted, “We are grateful for being part of the Atlanta, IL community and look forward to providing quality products and services with our truck stop development.

The truck stop project is the biggest private investment in Atlanta’s history and will become the largest private employer in the community, in addition to increasing sales tax, motor fuel tax, and gaming revenues for the City.

The truck stop development is in the City’s Tax Increment Financing [TIF] district. The $300,000 sale price of the 7+ acres, along with TIF, gaming, and sales tax monies produced by the project, will generate funds to pay off the loan incurred by the City’s to purchase the original 15-acre development site.

Funds generated by the project will also be used to cover the cost of street improvements and other infrastructure work needed for the truck stop.

The Logan County Economic Development Partnership [LCEDP] began work on the project in October 2015, following the City of Atlanta’s purchase of 15 acres at the I-55 interchange. The LCEDP worked with the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council to engage Mr. Jeff Geibelhausen of East Peoria to recruit potential developers. Mr. Bishap Patel, a principal with Harikrishna, LLC, proposed the truck stop project. Over the next four years, the LCEDP continued to move the project forward. The LCEDP and City will continue to work to develop the remaining acreage at the I-55 interchange.

The mission of the Logan County Economic Development Partnership is to cultivate a business environment that enhances Logan County by expanding our local and regional economy through programs that sustain and grow existing businesses, attract and establish new businesses, and increase quality employment opportunities.

[Bill Thomas]