GROVES — Groves Economic Development Corporation is ready to aid a local business should they decide to make a move.

GEDC members authorized paying up to $10,000 for demolition and disposal expenses of the former Speirs shopping center, located in the 3800 block of Main Avenue contingent on Mid America Metal purchasing the property.

Clearing the portion of the property would allow room for a new facility for Armentor’s United Martial Arts as well as a new restaurant facility and a meeting room facility for Mid America Metal.

Maria’s Diner is located in a separate building on the property and should the project go forward Maria’s would be able to move to a larger facility in the same location.

With speculation about possible future projects in the city, D. Sosa, as executive director for the GEDC, decided to inform the board of the possibility of assisting Mid America Metal.

On Monday, the board said yes.

“If Mid America decides to move forward we can authorize the expense,” Sosa, who is also Groves city manager, said.

The former shopping center holds several businesses under one roof. Mid America Metal owns the portion where Armentor’s is housed and the site of a former EMS office while another individual owns the other portion.

“They all have connected roofs,” he said. “We would have to tear it down all at once. That’s the best approach.”

Mid America Metal is currently located at 3700 E. Parkway St. in Groves.

In other business, the board is looking to assist the owner of B & Z Gun and Repair with moving expenses contingent on their move to another location in Groves.

“B & Z is looking to relocate and if it is in Groves the board authorized an amount not to exceed $3,000 for assistance in moving the inventory and product to a new location.”

B & Z is currently located at 5225 39^th St. in Groves.

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