What has been in the making for two decades appears set to become reality by the end of the year. A Gateway Center, that will be run by Love’s Travel Stop and Country Stores Inc., will start construction in April.

Though many local officials have touted this project, there was also a committee from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation in the Local Ecomonic Development group that was pushing for this in the past decade. It held meetings and did a great deal of research to make this happen.

When George Borrello became county executive, he then made it a priority. On Tuesday a deal was completed by the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.

“This is a great project for the town of Ripley, the region, and the state,” said Mark Geise, chief executive officer for the IDA. “This area has been crying out for a project like this, as it replaces the dilapidated Colonial Hotel at the Gateway to our beautiful county and state. In addition to the dozens of jobs this facility will create, Love’s will be paying taxes, and the Community Host Agreement will provide the town of Ripley with the resources it needs to make upgrades to its water and sewer infrastructure. I welcome the Love’s family to our region.”

Currently, where Love’s will build, stands an eyesore. A new look, much more impressive, is not far away.