Litchfield Approves Large-Scale Development Plan for New Casey’s on Route 66, Advances $76,500 Water Main Project

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 19, 2026

Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, authorized a large-scale development plan for a new Casey’s gas station and convenience store, and approved engineering services to replace a critical water main.

Development & Infrastructure Key Points:

• Casey’s Retail Company received approval for a large-scale development plan at 414 N. Old Route 66.

• The council approved a $76,500 professional services agreement with HMG Engineers for Phase III Water System Improvements.

• The water project involves replacing two 10-inch cast iron lines with a new 14-inch water main to support a future grant application.

The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, advanced a major new commercial development along the Route 66 corridor and took preliminary steps to overhaul a section of the city’s aging water distribution system.

Alderperson Sara Zumwalt introduced a motion to approve a resolution granting a large-scale development plan for the property located at 414 N. Old Route 66. According to the agenda packet, the site plan was submitted by Casey’s Retail Company, which intends to develop a new Casey’s gas station and convenience store on the lot. The Planning & Zoning Board previously reviewed the site plan on March 9 and recommended its approval. The council passed the resolution unanimously.

In infrastructure matters, the council also turned its attention to the Phase III Water System Improvements project. Alderperson Bob Garcia made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Dwayne Gerl, to approve a professional services agreement with HMG Engineers for design and permitting services for an amount not to exceed $76,500.

According to the meeting materials, the engineering work is required so the city can submit a competitive application for the upcoming round of DCEO Public Infrastructure grants. The Phase III project will install a new 14-inch water main continuing from Yaeger Lake Trail to Locust Street, replacing two existing 10-inch cast iron lines. The engineering fees will be paid from the city’s water enterprise fund. The agreement was approved unanimously via a roll call vote.