Hardee’s plans moving forward

Almost 11 months after the Newton City Council originally approved an agreement to bring a Hardee’s restaurant to Newton, a closing date on the property has been set for on or before May 19. City council approved a resolution amending the purchase and sale agreement with 4G Properties, LLC reducing the asking price from $100,000 to $80,000 on Monday.

“I’m just excited to see this moving forward,” councilwoman Miranda Kulis said. “I am consistently asked when we are getting the biscuits and gravy from Hardee’s coming to town.”

Last June, the city approved the purchase and sale agreement with 4G for the 1.2 acre piece of land that was the former Juice and Junk site for the construction of a Hardee’s.

During pre-construction surveys, the developer determined the soil on the site needed additional preparation, causing the projected costs to bring the restaurant to Newton to increase.

To compensate for the increased costs, 4G proposed decreasing the asking price by $20,000. With approval, the developer is ready to move forward with a closing date set for on or before May 19 with construction to start later in the summer.

“I’m excited to see the closing date and a planned start date,” Kulis said. “I understand the need to adjust the price based upon the addition findings to make it worth it and I’m glad that we’re doing so.”

In total, the investment from 4G is proposed at more than $1 million. The company is planning to build an upscale-type restaurant along with accompanying signage and landscaping.

“The new style Hardee’s restaurant are high quality buildings with considerable stone work on the exterior,” Friedman said when the project was proposed.

The project started after the city purchased the former Juice and Junk building and property at 1205 W. 19th St. S. for $550,000 at a March 2016 meeting. The former gas station/convenience store building had been mostly vacant for more than 10 years. The building and property presented a poor image at the Interstate 80 exit 164, which serves as a primary entrance to the city.

The council is hoping the construction of the new restaurant will spur redevelopment of the rest of the site, which totals approximately 10.49 acres.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com