LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER PROJECT GAINS APPROVAL
Local planning commission votes 5-0 for new shopping center in Santa Clarita

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.—Amidst a packed forum, the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday evening approving the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and Master Plan pertaining to the Golden Valley Ranch shopping center.

“ We are very excited to move forward with the Golden Valley Ranch shopping center,” said Jeff Sterk, Executive Vice President of Development for GMS Realty. “We worked with our neighbors, city staff and elected officials to create the best retail opportunities for the community.”

Local residents and enthusiasts of the development packed the council chambers for last night’s planning commission meeting. The majority of residents came forward to speak in support of the project, which once constructed and operating, will provide over 1,300 part-time and full-time jobs for the city.

“ The first approval for Golden Valley Ranch came with a 4-1 approval from Santa Clarita City Council back in 2002. This is due to a successful public outreach campaign that began nine months prior to the city council vote. As the grassroots campaign began to spread, people lined up to show support for Golden Valley Ranch.

Even the issue of additional traffic was not enough to deter the supporters. A former opponent of the Golden Valley Ranch shopping center, mentioned how additional cars mean additional dollars. He stated that traffic will bring tax dollars into the City of Santa Clarita.

The shopping center will be located off Highway 14. Anchor stores for the center include Kohl’s, Target and Lowe’s. Several other retail stores and dining opportunities will complement the anchors to complete this much-needed the City of Santa Clarita.

The center is expected to open for business in the summer of 2005.