Local developer Randall Ercenbrack wants shot at Santaquin grocery store

SANTAQUIN, Utah County (Deseret News) — A local landowner has stepped forward with a plan to build the city's first major grocery store.

But Randall Ercenbrack says he doesn't want to compete with plans the city has been working on to build a store near I-15 on the city's east side.

The Boyer Co. holds an option on the east-side property. Boyer officials are working to land a major anchor for the development.

During a Santaquin City Council study session Wednesday, Ercenbrack offered to convert his unused apple packing house on the west side of town to a temporary 20,0000-square-foot store and then build a new, 35,000-square-foot store nearby.

He also wants to put a series of townhomes behind the building on what for decades was a commercial family orchard.

Ercenbrack estimates his store could bring as much as $150,000 a year in sales tax to city coffers. Santaquin shoppers now go to Payson or other communities to shop.

City manager Ben Reeves said he expects to receive an update next month on The Boyer Co. development, which could include bringing in a national chain. City officials then will compare the plans with the general plan, Reeves said.

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