December 2,2105-
The City of Visalia will allow California Dairies Inc more time to excise an option to buy 150 acres on Hwy 99 at Caldwell. CDI would build a large new plant there if the deal is consummated. Times are tough in the milk biz right now so the Visalia-based cooperative wants to wait before it pulls the trigger that requires them to begin construction on a timetable. Nobody at the city will go on the record but that is what is happening
Visalia building permit valuation is up a strong 33 percent for the year. Home building is up to 458 sf units through November compared to 372 home permits this time last year. And multi- family permits have reached 96 units this year compared to only 16 units in 2104. New commercial valuation is $25 million vs $12.4 million in 2014.
Bidding is expected to be competitive for the new Visalia Emergency Communications Center scheduled for December 8. Ground breaking will follow this month for the 18,7000sf 2-story building on 4.2 acres. The construction contract is estimated to be valued at $11 million.The complex will house the 911/Dispatch Center,Fire Administration,Emergency Operations, Traffic Management Center and Information Services. The city is budgeting $27.63 million that includes $5.6 million to refurbish the convention center, underway now.
The VECC project will be completed in July 2017. The building is the first city-owned complex in the new East Visalia civic campus and is located east of Burke Street and north of the proposed School Avenue extension, along Jennings Ditch.
