City supports investments with infrastructure maintenance

Maintaining vital infrastructure continues to be a facet of economic development in the City of Tehachapi and a slough of recent projects are once again proving that priority with action.

The City of Tehachapi recently repaved three local roadways as part of a series of maintenance projects. One roadway, Green Street, received new asphalt from Tehachapi Boulevard north to the Tehachapi Municipal Airport gate, as well as from F Street south past D Street. With those portions joining the recently slurry-sealed section of Green between Tehachapi Boulevard and F Street, the road that serves many local businesses, special events and the airport has received a complete makeover in the last six months.

In addition, Davis Street from Tehachapi Boulevard to E Street received much-needed pavement while Snyder Avenue, a major route for Tehachapi schools and connector from Valley Boulevard to Tehachapi Boulevard was also paved, weaving together a pair of projects, the first of which included new curbs, gutters and sidewalks and the new pavement for a new safer path of travel for both pedestrians and vehicles alike.

Fog sealant application and striping will mark the finishing touches on these projects.

In addition, the recently-completed Rail Corridor Enhancement and Pedestrian Safety Project was recognized as "Transportation Project of the Year" by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The Rail Corridor Pedestrian Safety & Enhancement Project included sidewalks and fencing along H Street on the north side of the train tracks between Mill Street and Hayes Street. Sidewalks and crossings on the east and west sides of Green Street, Hayes Street and Dennison Road. The crossings provided a much safer path of travel for pedestrians, cyclists and those in wheelchairs. It also meant the installation of medians at the crossings to prevent vehicles from driving around railroad gates and potentially into the path of crossing trains. The Tehachapi Rail Corridor Pedestrian Safety & Enhancement Project had a total project cost of $2.1 million dollars, and the construction was completed in approximately 12 months. The project was funded by the Active Transportation Project grant.

The rail corridor project served an important role in extending the ability for visitors and shoppers to access H Street, a natural extension of Downtown. The area has attracted investments from microbreweries and small retail shops in the last few years with more small business investments under construction.

Not only providing opportunities for investment, but also delivering the ability for those investments to thrive with maintenance of infrastructure, police protection and continued support of businesses of all sizes continue to push the City of Tehachapi as a great place for success.

Capital Hills retail center breaks ground

The developers of a new retail center, anchored by the City's second drive-thru Starbucks location, broke ground on the project in Capital Hills on Sept. 23. Along with the Starbucks, which will occupy around 2,000 square feet, an additional 4,000 square feet will be available for other restaurant, retail or office use.

In the news:

Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley welcomes new Administrative Director of Operations

Edward Martin will serve as the Adventist Health president's representative in Tehachapi while also handling the administrative operations at Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital.

Read more on Edward H. Martin II. online at http://www.theloopnewspaper.com/story/2021/09/25/local-news/adventist-health-tehachapi-valley-welcomes-new-administrative-director-of-operations/8556.html.

Featured property: The Village Collective seeking tenants for recently renovated downtown space

With the renovated façade and interior nearly complete, the Village Collective in Downtown Tehachapi is seeking tenants. The project includes 22 private offices for lease, four kitchens, a media studio, three lounges for tenant use along with six "flex desks" for monthly co-working rates. There is a studio available for classes, instruction or special events along F Street. The infrastructure has also been installed for a cafe ranging from 1,500 to 4,600 square feet with outside dining in Centennial Plaza. For more information about any of the lease options contact Nikki Cummings at nikki@cummingscamp.com.

For more Economic Development News visit http://www.liveuptehachapi.com/303/Economic-Development-News.