Without giving names, developer David Ward identified on Monday many of the businesses that have signed or intend to sign leases at his Old Market Place development.

The project's anchor will be a Country Mart grocery store. The whole project is currently under construcion at the intersection of Route AA and Budkner-Tarsney Road.

Other businesses planning to locate at the project include a sandwich shop, a fast-food restaurant and a hair salon.

'We're about 75 percent filled-up' said Ward.

Ward said the grocery store still plans to be open by May 1. A Raveill True Value Hardware will open at the site by April 1.

Ward's project cleared two more significant hurdles at Monday's Board of Alderman meeting. The board approved the tax-increment financing contract between Ward and the city. Mayor Matt Farlin said he intended to sign it as soon as he received a final copy this week.

The board also voted to rezone the Old Market Place site from agricultural to high-way business.

Final details of the TIF agreement include a provision that makes the financial success of the grocery store a condition of future TIF funding of later phases of Ward's project.

Though a point of negotiation remains between the city, Ward, and the state on how the expansion of the streets will be accomplished, city leaders are upbeat about the agreement.

'We've got all the details worked out', said city administrator Mike Smith. 'They've done a fine job.'

Board members also approved Ward's plans for the project's facade, which is reminiscent of an old-fashioned Main Street.

'I think this is going to be cool,' said Farlin of the facade. 'It fits with our small-town atmosphere, but it's giving us big-city services.'