No one is predicting pitchforks and  torches at a neighborhood meeting called by Hy-Vee to explain the Iowa-based company’s proposal for a supermarket at the site of the vacant Kmart building on MacArthur Boulevard.

“I don’t recall that I’ve heard any complaints about the project,” said Paul O’Shea, planning and design coordinator for the city of Springfield. “I hope there’s a good turnout just to show support, if nothing else.”

The meeting is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Nov. 10) at Butler Elementary School, 1701 S. MacArthur Blvd.

Although folks are sometimes prone to show up if they hate a development proposal and stay home if they’re satisfied, Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, who represents the area, said he’s expecting a crowd. Like O’Shea, he said that he’s heard nothing but good things about Hy-Vee coming to MacArthur Boulevard, which has been in decline in recent years, with check-cashing stores and vacant property pocking the district.

“People are so starved for good news and improvements,” McMenamin said. “We’ve decided to increase the number of chairs at Butler, just to be on the safe side. There’s so many positives to it. It fulfills a need.”