-March 29,2109
UPS files building plans: a few days after announcing the layoff of 60 plus office workers, United Parcel Service has now filed those long awaited building plans for a huge new package sorting facility in the industrial park as of March 29. The new 425,000sf complex may employ up to 600. City economic development manager Devon Jones says the 58 acre project at Plaza and Riggin has a second and third expansion option adding up to another 117,000 sq ft.”They want to get going as soon as possible.” Contractor on the big project is Layton Construction.
Indoor Playhouse franchise may be coming to Mooney: The Cervantes family wants to bring a children’s indoor playhouse/cafe to a vacant building in the rear of the Sequoia Mall. Called Luv 2 Play, the complex would be located at 3515 S Mooney -in the former In-Shape gym.
City may buy CDF Fire Station on Lovers Lane. The City is negotiating to buy the CDF fire station at 1968 So Lovers Lane according to the closed door item for April 1. The city is negotiating with the county General Services.
County backs off collaboration with Visalia to co-use the 911 Dispatch Center. After expressing strong interest, city manager Randy Groom says the County suddenly withdrew from a study of the remaining space at the new Visalia facility. The county dispatch is located the old jail
Collins asks council to consider an aquatic facility at their April 1 meeting.Will they get behind a consultant study Collins and the Parks and Recreation Commission want funded in order to take a closer look at a new pool complex?
Visalia PACE program could be on the chopping block again. After it was approved by a narrow 3 to 2 city council vote in 2017 the program that offers financing for home energy upgrades, faces new skepticism. Newly elected council member Brian Poochigian wants to eliminate the program that is popular throughout California, allowing home owners to install solar and other energy savings. As it is, Visalia EnergySage Marketplace website provides quotes online from multiple, pre-screened solar PV installers and will assist Visalia businesses and residents in comparing offers in an apples-to-apples format across all financing options at no cost to them. In the past, council members Nelsen and Cox have opposed the PACE program with Poochigian likely adding a third ‘no’ vote.
VUSD buying 84 acres from Kaweah Delta
Visalia Unified is in escrow to buy 84 acres from Kaweh Delta hospital at Lovers Lane and Caldwell. Schools superintendent Robert Groeber says the site would be a future location for the town’s 6th high school/middle school. Kaweah Delta is retaining 20 acres that could be used for a future Lifestyle Center for the eastern part to the community, just one option.