Around rEd BAnK

The year 2019 saw many changes and major events in Red Bank, many of which I covered here in this column. I’ll spend this week and next looking back over the year as we celebrate the New Year. This week is a look back at the business side of things.

Red Bank is growing, and this year has seen a marked increase in both commercial and residential construction. The new neighborhood on Bluefield Road is well underway. Amenities still are being added as new houses are built and sold in what will eventually be a subdivision with hundreds of homes. Another development on Cannon Trail is in progress, adding another hundred or so houses, and the sale of the YMCA property to a developer means there will be even more new homes coming.

On the commercial side, the Publix shopping center filled in several spaces, a new strip center on South Lake Drive near I-20 added more retail space, and SAFE Federal Credit Union began construction of a new branch on Platt Springs Road that should open soon after the new year. White Knoll Veterinary Hospital expanded its outdoor offerings to include a 2-acre dog park.

Upcoming projects include a Starbucks in the Walmart and Aldi area, and a QT truck stop going in just across I-20 where several long-closed businesses were located. Look for the Dollar General on Platt Springs Road to undergo a remodel, updating it to expand food and home décor offerings.

One other business development has been a welcome addition in the area. That’s the availability of local food trucks. Wolfie’s Hot Dogs is a regular fixture on South Lake Drive in the St. James Lutheran parking lot, as is Grace Coffee in the Pelican’s space behind Advance Auto Parts. Other frequent visitors to the neighborhood are the Blended Bakery trolley and the Spudderin’ Around baked potato truck.

Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and happy New Year, see you in 2020 with part two of my year in review!