Several businesses planning to open at Monroe interchange

These efforts coupled with construction on Park North, an almost 1 million square foot business park, will translate into more jobs in the city, said Kevin Chesar, director of development for the city..

“We are always marketing ourselves to attract more restaurants and amenities to the city,” Chesar said.

The city has received a preliminary site plan for a new building planned at the corner of Todhunter and Yankee roads just north of the Monroe Local Schools campus near the interchange.

Glove Specialties Inc. has outgrown its leased facility in West Chester Twp. and is planning to build a 20,000-square-foot building with office and distribution facilities, according to Chesar. He said there is also the option for the company to expand the building if needed.

The company produces a product assortment featuring gloves and cleaning wipes, according to its website.

The project is expected to come to the city Planning Commission for final approval in late December or in January, Chesar said.

A new dental practice will be built on the southwest corner of the interchange where a BP gas station once stood.

The BP gas station was demolished a few years ago as part of the strategy to enhance the city’s gateway. The city Planning Commission approved Aug. 15 the site plan for Dr. Akhlaq Khan’s new 11,400-square-foot dental office.

In addition to the property on Garver Road, Khan has also purchased land where a former Perkins restaurant was located.

Efforts by the city to demolish decaying structures are resulting in redevelopment that will “enhance our interchange area while providing additional services for our residents,” Chesar said.

After several years, the former Sara Jane’s restaurant will also see new life as a Mexican restaurant, according to Chesar.

The restaurant’s owner, Hector Macias, recently applied for interior building permits and indicated the business would open late this year or in early 2016.

“We are pleased to see another sit-down restaurant locate here as well the applicant’s effort put forward to reuse and rehabilitate a vacant property,” Chesar said.