Infrastructure Project Planned
Attempting to lure new commercial development to the south side of town, the city of San Fernando is planning a $460,000 infrastructure improvement venture called the Gateway Project.
Work would include a water-system upgrade--including new hydrants and services for commercial properties--replacement of the old “Welcome to San Fernando” sign; street, sidewalk and driveway reconstruction, and landscaping of medians.
“It’s to promote economic development in a particular part of town that needs it,” said Saul Gomez, assistant to the city administrator. The area impacted by the project is a little more than an acre in size, Gomez said, and is situated in the Fox Street area near San Fernando Road and Truman Street, just west of Recreation Park.
The city will apply for $350,000 in federal economic development funds to pay for project. Approval is expected in August. San Fernando would provide another $110,000 in matching funds.
Several other cultural and recreational projects have been proposed over the past year in the Gateway vicinity, Gomez said.
Plans include building a new bike path to run parallel to the nearby Metrolink rail tracks, construction of the Cesar Chavez Memorial Plaza--still in the planning stage--and establishment of a cultural arts center near San Fernando Middle School.
The land targeted for Gateway improvements is occupied largely by commercial properties, including several car dealerships and auto parts vendors.
Gomez said the city hopes to expand the area as an auto-related commercial corridor.
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