New Pioneer Co-op members approved plans by the Board of Directors to move forward in building a new store.

According to a press release, roughly 90 percent of the members voted to support the negotiations for the new site, at the intersection of Gilbert and College Streets.

Members were able to vote from March 1-31.

Board members said the vote will allow them to move on with confidence that members support the relocation.

Toward the beginning of May, the city of Iowa City will issue a request for proposals for the property.

The proposed site is estimated at having almost 20,000 square feet of work space — 10,000 square feet more than the current location.

Once submitted, New Pioneer’s proposal will be compared with other proposals to see which would best meet the city’s goals for the development of the area. The City Council will make its decision after 30 days.

Board treasurer Henry Madden recently told The Daily Iowan the board is confident its proposition will be attractive because of significant tax dollars that will be paid on the property.

— by Derek Kellison