Changing face of City includes Miller Road acquisition
MELISSA (January 19, 2021) The gradually changing face of Melissa is evident in every part of town as new residential subdivisions and commercial construction extend their reach in every direction.
As growth and development mark the City’s shifting landscape, some of the existing houses, buildings, structures, and streets that have been part of the City’s legacy are giving way to allow for Melissa to move toward realizing its potential.
For example, with the expected expansion of SH 5, some of the houses and structures that lined the road no longer exist, including the former Steel Fab building. The downtown area will see some changes in the near future, as Cooper Street is destined to close and become part of the downtown hub, a gathering place for residents featuring shopping, dining, and socializing. Over the last several years, other structures dotting the City have also made way for new construction.
Among these is the former Kim’s Korner on the southwest corner of SH 121 and Miller Road. The convenience store and inoperable car wash, along with the land, had been placed on the market for sale last year. The expansion of Miller Road will be a critical future project for north-south traffic, and the future project would require additional right of way which would have intruded into the Kim’s Korner property.
With that in mind, the City determined that, rather than compensate the owners for land, loss of business, and other damages connected to the right of way acquisition, it would be more cost effective and advantageous for the City to purchase the property.
The purchase was completed late last year, and the structures were demolished. The remaining sign structure on the property will be removed in March when a lease expires.
Owning the property allows for the proper right of way to be designated, and the road designed appropriately. Meanwhile, the remaining property will be posted for redevelopment proposals.
As in all these types of cases, proposals for development of City property will be evaluated by the Melissa Industrial and Economic Development Corporation. Once submitted and reviewed, the MIEDC may recommend a redevelopment proposal to the City Council to consider.