After some delays, dirt work for a new shopping development in north Hays is expected to continue soon.

Chance Reeser, construction manager for Tebo Properties, said time was lost due to city concerns over planned handling of stormwater management. The initial plans called for stormwater to be diverted into an underground detention vault on the property.

After the city raised concerns, however, that water will be piped off-site. The change brought the project to a “standstill” until an agreement could be reached, Reeser said.

“The redesign caused some issues with grading,” he said. “(Paul-Wertenberger Construction) is hopefully getting a foundation permit today, hopefully with a building permit to be released this week or next week.”

Tebo Villages will be a 12-storefront retail development at the northeast corner of 43rd and Vine. A restaurant — Pasta Jay’s — will anchor the property.

“It’s slow going, but I think we’re nearing the end (of delays),” Reeser said. “I think we should get moving pretty quickly here soon.”

While there is no official word on tenants besides Pasta Jay’s, developer Stephen Tebo said there are two other leases out for signature and two or three other potential tenants “kicking the tires.”

He said delays have put the development back more than a month, but still anticipates the building to be ready for tenants to do interior finish May 1, with potential opening June 1.

Tebo said residents will be excited with the infrastructure begins to rise from the ground — and expected business interest to pique once the development begins to take shape.

“Hays hasn’t seen anything quite as nice as this in quite some time,” he said. “We’re investing up front to get our money back over 20 years. … We believe in investing in community.”