The Town of Sunnyvale announces the upcoming construction of its first major grocery store, an important step toward its goal of pursuing development projects that meet community needs.

At its April 22 meeting, the Sunnyvale Town Council approved an economic development incentive for a Tom Thumb store to be built at the Gateway Park retail center on Belt Line Road and Town East Boulevard. The $3 million incentive is intended to ensure a 2026 opening. The grocery store will be a part of a $120 million development at Gateway Park that spans 240,000 square feet. This development aims to include additional retail stores, restaurants, and athletic facilities.

“The Town Council is thrilled to provide our residents with this investment,” said Mayor Saji George, who also serves as the Chair of the Town’s 4B Economic Development Corporation. “Our goal when looking to attract and retain businesses is to ensure that they align with our community’s essential needs and identity. We hope this development is put to great use as we look to further improve our quality of life.”

Town Manager Jeff Jones states, “It’s taken a lot of work to get us to this point, and the incentive is structured in a manner that brings Tom Thumb to Sunnyvale as quickly as possible. Credit to the Town Council, 4B Board, and all of the parties involved for their collaborative efforts.”

"Bringing an upscale, full-service state-of-the-art grocery store to Sunnyvale has been a vision of mine for nearly 25 years, and thanks to the partnership with the Town of Sunnyvale's leadership and Tom Thumb, that vision is becoming a reality that residents and families in the entire region will enjoy,” said Deric Salser, CEO of Sunnyvale-based Salser Development Group. “The intersection of Belt Line Road and Town East Blvd is one of the most active in east Dallas County, and we believe it's the ideal location for this special store. We're looking forward to a grand opening celebration in late 2025."

“Tom Thumb is very excited to announce we will be coming to Sunnyvale,” said Wes Jackson, Division President for Tom Thumb. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the growth that is coming to the area and Gateway Park is the perfect place for a full-service Tom Thumb grocery store, fuel station, and convenience store. This store will give Sunnyvale residents the opportunity to spend their grocery dollars locally while meeting the area’s need for a store that provides high-quality fresh offerings. Giving back to the local communities is an important part of our values and we can’t wait to continue that tradition in this community AND to welcome our new customers when the store opens in 2025!”

UPDATE: The Sunnyvale Trash Off has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SISD Intermediate School parking lot, 300 Collins Road. For more details, please visit the Town website.

This week, the Town Council approved a contract for an architectural design for a future animal shelter. The current shelter needs to be replaced due to age and lack of capacity to meet the demands of community growth.

The contract also includes the design of a new service center for the Parks and Public Works departments. These projects are part of the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan.

The Town of Sunnyvale needs your input as we conduct a comprehensive update of the Town’s Mobility Plan. The Mobility Plan will help the Town prepare for future transportation needs, expansion and possible funding for our trails and bikeway network, as well as the development of area highway projects. The survey link will be available for the next 30 days.

The Town of Sunnyvale has closed the East Fork Road bridge over Duck Creek for the foreseeable future due to structural damage caused by floodwaters and debris. The Town is designing a repair plan and expects to reopen the bridge by the end of the summer.

Meanwhile, the replacement of the Barnes Bridge Road bridge over Duck Creek will soon become a reality. Utility relocations and the final design have been completed for the new bridge, which is being jointly funded by the Town of Sunnyvale and TxDOT. TxDOT will oversee construction and will bid out construction later this summer or early fall. Construction is expected to get underway near the end of this year and last approximately 10 months, so the new bridge will be open by fall 2025. See the most recent TxDOT update to the Town Council.

Work continues on $17.5 million worth of road improvement projects previously approved by the Sunnyvale Town Council.

This week's activity is scheduled to include:

• Larkin (Scyene to Long Creek)— Both travel lanes are now open to traffic. Remaining work includes final cleanup and backfilling along with striping.
• Moisture barrier installation along select sections of roadway began the week of April 15 and is expected to be completed by mid-May. Visit the Road Projects webpage for more details.
• Reconstruction of Michael Lane is scheduled to occur on Friday, May 3, weather permitting.
  
  

The latest updates and a preview of upcoming activities are available at TownofSunnyvale.org/RoadProjects. Construction schedules can change with short notice. We appreciate your patience.

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The Sunnyvale Animal Shelter continues to waive adoption fees! Come visit and adopt your new best friend. We have lots of adoptable pets available. Learn more by visiting our Petfinder page or call (214) 862-4525.

A reminder that early voting for the May 4 General Election continues through Tuesday, April 30 at Sunnyvale Town Hall, 127 N. Collins Road. Town Hall will also be open Election Day, May 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunnyvale voters are electing two Town Council members. Complete details are on the website.

DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27. Bring unwanted or expired prescription medications to the Sunnyvale Police Department, 364 Long Creek Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.