The City of Irondale will soon be home to Alabama's sixth Costco.
A letter from former Mayor Charles Moore shows that the plan was set into motion in April 2018, and has come together just weeks before municipal elections, demonstrating Irondale City Councilwoman Cindy Cueller's efforts to move the city forward and address its budget and tax problems.
In a message on Facebook, Cueller said:
I'm excited to share the good news we have announced today for our Irondale community. I would also like to recognize and thank some of the unsung heroes who helped make this day possible: former Mayor Charles Moore, former Council President Steve Marino, former Chamber of Commerce President Price Hightower, and former CDA Chair David Pugh. Together, in April and May of 2018, we took the initial steps that led to this "BIG" achievement.
Below is a letter that I treasure, dated April 13, 2018, which helped bring today's festive activities to pass. I have redacted some names to respect their privacy.
Let us all rejoice and give thanks to God for bringing Costco to Irondale!
While there's no indication he gave Cueller credit for the major economic achievement, current Mayor James Stewart, Jr. said the 152,000 square-foot warehouse and self-service gas station will be at the southwest corner of Grants Mill Road and Interstate 459.
Acknowledging the work that started before his term, he said of the location, "That’s where we started out four years and nine months ago," adding, "The Lord has blessed the city of Irondale.”
Again, leaving out those who came before him and paved the way for the process, Stewart said, “This is a defining moment for our city.”
“Costco’s arrival shows that Irondale is open for business, ready for growth, and serious about attracting high-quality development," Stewart said, echoing Cueller's frequent sentiments.
Stewart said the business will create hundreds of jobs and generate millions in revenue. The City projects a $105 million investment, which would be the most significant single economic development project in Irondale since the Irondale Luxury Automall.
“We are building a stronger, more vibrant future for our residents and this is just the beginning of what’s ahead for our city,” Stewart added.
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