New businesses are coming to Altoona

Friday, August 15, 2014
Drew Williams, WEAU

The city of Altoona will hold a meeting on Tuesday August 26th set to firm up plans for the river prairie mixed use development area. In addition to the new Woodman's Food Market several more businesses are now in the works for the same area.

A Kwik Trip gas station, a hotel and recreation areas...

These are some of the plans released this week for the River Prairie Mixed Use Development Area where a Woodman's Food Market is already set to go up.

The development located on the northwest corner of highway 53 and River Prairie Drive is to meet the needs of a growing population the city of Altoona.

Kimberly Hayes works near by and says she's excited about the newbusinesses. She says it will make running errands more convenient for her and her co-workers.

Hays says, "With out having to go the other side of town to get our gas, oil change, our groceries... all right here."

Plans also call for a stretch along the Eau Claire River to be made more accessible to enjoy the outdoors.

Due to limited access, it goes mostly unused. The city is hoping to improve access to the river for both summer and winter sports.

Hayes says that she would utilize some of the trails once they are built.

"If there are any winter trails where you can do some snowshoeing or something like that. That would definitely be a huge bonus."

The land is already being cleared and construction will begin soon. It's expected to be finished sometime next year.

In Altoona, Drew Williams, WEAU 13 News.

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