A new Casey’s Convenience Store is proposed to be built at the corner of Baptiste Drive and Hedge Lane as part of the planned Paola Crossings Development. Paola City Council members approved a Preliminary Plat for the development, which will be located on a 36-acre tract of land along Paola’s primary entryway across from Walmart and near the intersection of Baptiste Drive and Hedge Lane. The Preliminary Plat shows a number of Commercial Tracts, as well as a series of four-plex residential lots included in the development.
Outgoing Paola Mayor Artie Stuteville says she is excited about the housing, as the City is in need of more housing. In 2019 the Paola City Council approved the creation of a Tax increment Financing, or TIF, district for the entire development and approved the phased development for the redevelopment project area, which is about 9.6 acres. Acting Interim City Manager, Randi Shannon, says they were not able to name any other businesses lined up for Paola Crossing, but is confident it will fill quickly
