Having a healthy retail sector is essential to having a healthy economy and community. That’s why the Auburn City Council should, as expected, vote Monday to bond $5 million for road improvements around the intersection of Mt. Auburn Avenue and Turner Street.

That intersection has reached or even exceeded its traffic capacity, and more development is on the way. The new Kohl’s store will open in October, and site preparation has begun on a new Best Buy store near two new restaurants that are enjoying booming business.

Meanwhile, rumors swirl about other new retail stores and restaurants planned for the same vicinity.

That’s all great news for three reasons:

First, it opens up the shopping options for those of us who live here and spares us the time and expense of traveling to Portland, Freeport or, perhaps, Augusta.

Second, it is a selling factor for a growing community. People are reluctant to relocate to a community that seems down on its luck or does not offer nearby shopping. Nothing speaks more clearly of growth and success than a burgeoning retail market.

Finally, it’s what local residents clearly want. When the Sun Journal surveyed readers late in 2005, asking them what stores they most wanted to see come to the Twin Cities, 826 responded. Olive Garden, Target, Burlington Coat Factory and Linens-n-Things topped the list.

None of those has been announced yet, but we were amazed by the large number – and unbridled enthusiasm – of those responding. They are sick and tired of driving to do their shopping.

Improving the Turner Street/Mt. Auburn Avenue intersection is key. If we delay, traffic congestion could reach the point that more development would be forbidden.

Long ago, the city of Auburn planned wisely. It decided to concentrate retail development in one area. Development was fully expected to take place in phases, and the businesses in the area would help pay for infrastructure improvements.

All of that has come to pass. The overwhelming proportion of the expense of developing this intersection would be paid for out of revenue from Tax Increment Financing accounts. In other words, it would come from existing and future businesses.

In the early years, Auburn taxpayers may have to pick up a small portion of the bond expense. But even that is uncertain.

Councilors should vote to approve the issue when it comes to the table Monday. It’s a good deal for the city, for its taxpayers and for its shoppers.