City leaders optimistic about 2012 development

Updated Jan. 9 to correct the time of completion of the new Barstow Community Hospital.

BARSTOW • City leaders are optimistic about the development scheduled for Barstow this year, though it’s slower than years past.

Brad Merrell, consultant city engineer, said he’s received permits for many projects in Barstow, some he’s certain will break ground this year.

“Barstow’s got a lot going on,” Merrell said. “We’ve had times when we’ve been busier, but it’s picking up. It’s looking good for Barstow.”

Barstow will see several new storefronts as Dollar General plans to put up two new stores, one on Rimrock and another on Main Street, Merrell said. Also on Main Street an Oriental fast food restaurant plans to build near Los Domingos this year.

Other new construction Merrell said locals will see is a new office complex next door to Desert Ambulance that has already started construction. Also, Williams Homes plans to build eight new homes around the sports park area

Merrell said Food4Less has plans to add a fueling station, which will offer discounted fuel. The Barstonian apartments are planning expansion that Merrell estimates will double their size. Also, Carl’s Jr. plans to tear down and rebuild their restaurant on East Main Street.

Merrell couldn’t say with certainty whether Walmart will build its supercenter or distribution center this year, though the company has submitted plans with the city.

The city has a number of capital improvements scheduled for this year, including a number of street projects, wastewater facility updates, the Lenwood overpass, a new gym floor at the Cora Harper Fitness Center, and updates to the shooting range used by law enforcement agencies.

According to Oliver Chi, assistant to the city manager, the city’s main focus will be starting the renovation of Rimrock Road, half of which will be completed this year. Though currently in the design stage, the road will be reconstructed this year from Barstow Road to Muriel Drive this year and will finish in 2013 from Muriel to Montara Road.

Other roads to be reconstructed, probably starting mid-February or March, are those in the Cameron Elementary residential neighborhood, Mountain View and the civic center area, and Monterey and various surrounding residential streets, Chi said.

Also beginning in March, the city is reconstruction Mountain View and the Helen Runyon Parkway in preparation for the new hospital, which should be completed in November.