Clovis debates plans for Old Town development

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The makeshift parking lot in Old Town Clovis is often filled with the cars of customers visiting local businesses. Former Clovis officials say this land has seen better days.

"Prior to that time, it was not only where the city hall was, then the city's jail , but it was also the location of the fire station," said John Wright, Clovis Community Foundation.

Now there are plans to transform the space, which was once the DMV building, into what is being called Centennial Plaza. Action News got a look at the plans, which are meant to pay tribute to the city's history in its old city center.

Local businesses like KUPPA Joy Coffee House, which backs up to the lot, are concerned over how parking could affect their store and others. "So to think that they're going to take it and put in some trees and another business there and take away parking , there really is no other place to park here in Old Town Clovis, so as long as they design it with parking in mind, then I think it will help us," said Zack Follett, KUPPA Joy Coffee House.

Proponents of the project say it will allow for 70 to 80 parking spots and serve as an outdoor space for smaller celebrations. The estimated $2 million project will be paid for by capital improvement dollars for economic development.

The plans to transform this parking lot into Centennial Plaza will ultimately go before the city council on June 16th.