Prior to making my 2012 New Year’s resolutions, I always like to look back and reflect upon the successes of the past year. Statewide, the economy is stuck in neutral, the engine is sputtering, and the wheels are coming off. But in Visalia, we have gassed up the car, revved up the engine, put the pedal to the metal, and are starting to accelerate. Looking in the rearview mirror, I see the following:
● Visalia’s unemployment rate was 9.8% in August 2011. While it is higher still than it should be, it is lower than California’s average of 11.9%, and Tulare County’s 15.7%.
● On Mooney Boulevard, new retail establishments include The Habit (opening in the old Merle’s location), and Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant, Sole to Soul, Big Kahuna Yogurt, Subway, Fruitland Fresh, and Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa (in the Target shopping center). Mainland Skate & Surf has opened a new 7,000 square foot store in the former Baker’s Square in front of the Sequoia Mall, along with Tutti Frutti, a yogurt shop. A new car wash is under construction on the southeast corner of Tulare and Mooney, and a vocational school for cosmetology and esthetician training (Marinello Beauty School) has been approved for the 11,000 square foot former Western Bootwear building. It’s estimated the school will have up to 10 employees on-site at a time and students will number between 160-250. Escrow has closed on the former Costco building, permits have been issued, and remodeling has commenced on the new Walmart going in to that location. Once the new Walmart opens, the rest of that shopping center should begin to blossom again. Other retailers on Mooney Blvd. will be announced soon. Hint: keep an eye on the Foodsco Center in 2012.
● In historic downtown, the old Togni Branch building has been remodeled and is now occupied by Raising Dough bakery and Giffin, Sanchez & Parker Insurance. Construction of the Promenade has been completed, and Keller Williams Real Estate, Country Club Mortgage, Wells Fargo Advisors, and the Crepe Bar are the new tenants. Likewise, the building next to the Marriott has been remodeled into a new Chase Bank. The Tulare County Probation Department is moving into the one-story county annex at Court and Center, and TCAG will move its administrative offices into the old municipal courthouse on Church Street. Family Health Care Network will be constructing an almost 30,000 square foot two-story health center on School Street, next to its existing facility. And the old McWilliams and Mosley building is now occupied by Rookies Bar and Grill.
● Other retail development includes a new Taco Bell in the north side Target development. We also welcome back Glicks Meats to their original location. The expansion of the Highway 198 Walmart into a Super Walmart was approved by the City Council. Unfortunately, delaying litigation from competitors of Walmart has arisen. One of my New Year’s predictions is that the litigation will be defeated, the Super Walmart built, and shoppers and sales tax dollars will return to Visalia from surrounding communities.
● As reported in my October article, industrial park construction and activity include the 500,000 square foot VWR facility, Perfection Pet Food, Mor Furniture for Less’ new distribution center, VF Outdoor’s expansion, and Hydrite Corporation, a Wisconsin based chemical company which will be expanding in Visalia.
● Mooney Blvd. has been widened to three lanes in both directions, and the widening of the intersection at Walnut and Mooney Blvd. should be completed by the time you read this. Over $24,000,000.00 has been awarded in state and federal grant money for the Plaza Drive interchange and widening project. Construction is expected to begin in early 2012 and will take 1-1/2 to 2 years to complete. Look for the 198 overpass to include not only eye-catching art design, but a “Welcome to Visalia” sign for those travelers coming off Highway 99.
● A 283% increase in value for new commercial permits for 2011 boosted the total valuation of all permits 20% for the year, up from $89,756,652 in the first nine months of 2010 to $107,844,268 for the same time period in 2011.
● The Sequoia Shuttle to the national parks had its best season ever. The ridership on the route into the park grew by 47% during 2011. Likewise, at the municipal airport, ridership is booming, and we now have 2 daily flights to Las Vegas and to LAX.
These are but a few examples of the good things happening in Visalia. While the city and its economy are not out of the woods yet, Visalia appears to be on the right track and in position to lap other areas of the state.
So let the new year begin with optimism and hope for an even better 2012. Safe driving and Happy New Year!
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
