WINONA, Minn. – A deal to reshape the neighborhood at Huff and Saria streets has been scrapped by Winona State University and Kwik Trip. Neighborhood pushback included 160 signatures. Asked about backing off, the university released an unsigned explanation: “While we are grateful to Kwik Trip for bringing this idea forward, Winona State University has decided not to pursue this particular proposal.” The statement acknowledged neighborhood opposition. The proposed swap never got the point of formal application to the city zoning authority. Will Gibson, who led the opposition, said the relocation and expansion of Kwik Trip would have bene a poor fit. A 9,000 square foot, 20-pump gas station 24 hours a day would be disservice to the neighborhood, he said. Gibson acknowledged that Kwik Trip serves an important function but no so big and so bright and so near a residential area.
Gibson. The Kwik Trip proposal would have been a massive development that doesn’t belong or fit with the neighborhood.