Breaking Ground on Coal Valley’s New Fareway Store

Today was a big day for Coal Valley. We officially broke ground on the new Fareway grocery store, and I couldn’t be more excited for what this means for our village and our future.

Standing out there in the cold with the shovels lined up and the heavy equipment behind us, I wasn’t just thinking about a new building going up. I was thinking about our seniors who will finally have a full-service grocery store close to home, parents who won’t have to drive to another town to pick up dinner, and local workers who will have new job opportunities right here in Coal Valley.

For a village of around 4,000 people, a project like this is huge. Fareway is making a real investment in us—and it shows that others are starting to see what we already know: Coal Valley is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

How I’ve Supported This Project

From the moment the idea of bringing a grocery store to Coal Valley started to become a real possibility, I’ve been all in.

• I have consistently supported bringing a quality grocery option to Coal Valley and pushed for it as a priority for our village’s growth and quality of life.

• I’ve worked with village leadership and staff to help move this project forward, secure the necessary approvals, and ensure Coal Valley was seen as a partner Fareway could count on.

• I’ve advocated for responsible development that fits our community—development that brings services we actually need, expands our tax base, and creates jobs without losing our small-town feel.

This groundbreaking is the result of many conversations, planning, and persistence from many people—village staff, trustees, community members, and the Fareway team. I’m proud to have been one of the voices at the table pushing to make this happen and keeping the focus on what’s best for Coal Valley residents.

What Fareway Means for Coal Valley

This new store is about more than convenience:

• Jobs for local residents

• Increased tax revenue to help support streets, parks, and services

• Fresh, affordable food options for families and seniors

• Keeping dollars in town, instead of watching them leave for other communities

When we attract businesses like Fareway, we send a message: Coal Valley is growing, and we’re open to smart, community-focused development.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this day possible and to Fareway for believing in Coal Valley. I’ll keep working to bring in the kinds of projects and investments that make life better for our residents—because this village deserves it.

Photo: Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fareway store in Coal Valley, IL.