It’s been talked about for years. Now, the Ricky Rockets Fuel Center in Kankakee is back on. Thursday, a welcome crowd was on hand to break ground on the $20-million dollar eastside development project.

The former K-Mart site at the northeast corner of I-57 and E. Court Street is being cleared and construction will soon get started. Officials said an opening for business target date is likely by the spring of 2023.

The Ricky Rockets Fuel Center is expected to include a convenience store, truck wash, a restaurant and fast-food outlet.

Company owner Rick Heidner thanked Kankakee city administration for its patience for the stop-and-go plans. He said these things take time, with changes, but it’s now happening. The company’s plans were stalked for different issues, but it’s all go now.

The hope is the project will kick-start other business developments on the city’s east side. Ricky Rockets first entertained the idea under the Nina Epstein administration six years ago. Then,, Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong was involved in negotiations with the development company. Current-Mayor Rick Curtis said he’s very excited and thankful for the efforts of all concerned.

94.1 WGFA