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Dollar General Construction Resumes After Environmental Setback
After facing an environmental concerns-driven halt last spring, Westwind Construction is moving forward with the construction of a new Dollar General store in Honor, Michigan. Initially, work was paused due to complaints regarding disturbance in regulated wetlands near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. To comply with state regulations, the company was tasked with restoring the affected wetlands before commencing work on the new site.
New Location Eases Construction Barriers
The new Dollar General store is being built roughly a mile away from the original halted construction site, at a commercial area at 2463 N Marshall Rd in Beulah, south of US-31. As Marvin Radtke, zoning administrator for Homestead Township, notes, this location did not attract public complaints, which provides a smoother path for the retailer's expansion in the area.
The Impact of Dollar General's Expansion on Local Retail
Dollar General's rapid expansion over the past decade has not come without controversy, particularly in rural areas where the company often sets its sights. There are already two other Dollar General locations in the nearby Interlochen, and with the addition of the Beulah store, this will be the third Dollar General in Benzie County alone, contributing to an increasing density of discount stores.
Concerns are growing among local independent retailers, such as the Honor Family Market—situated just a mile from the new site—about surviving against corporate competition. Having opened in 1992, the market has been struggling with tight profit margins and has sought to sell its business since 2021 without success.
Environmental Restoration and Permits: A Dual Focus
Despite renovations at the new site, previous developments still carry lasting implications. The Michigan Department of Great Lakes, Environment and Energy (EGLE) requires validators to ensure wetland restoration is effective before permits can be finalized. In ensuring the wetland restoration is executed appropriately, Westwind Construction aims to adhere to state regulations while positioning itself for future developments.
Jake Riley, EGLE's district supervisor, indicated that re-grading and the replacement of wetland soils would be vital in the restoration plan. They will conduct inspections for a year following restoration to evaluate progress and success.
Future of Dollar General in Michigan and Beyond
With over 700 locations across Michigan and nearly 21,000 nationwide, Dollar General's strategy focuses on targeting rural areas that lack larger retail stores. Recent reports indicate the brand continues to pursue regional markets, but responses from communities have been mixed—with some actively resisting new store openings due to the perceived threat they pose to local business ecosystems.
As Dollar General looks to tap into underserved markets, further community discourse will need to address the balance of supporting local businesses while catering to consumer demand for accessible, low-cost retail options.
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