Visalia sees an increase in development in one part of the city

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- From manufacturing companies to large warehouses, officials in Visalia are seeing an increase in development in one part of the city.

Visalia's industrial park is growing rapidly. In fact, city officials are now looking at plans to develop 400,000 square feet of new space."

Diversified Development Group or "DDG" is expanding in the South Valley. The Fresno developer has already submitted a project to the city of Visalia to construct a brand new, large industrial building, hoping to bring in a distribution center or manufacturing facility. City officials are excited by the plans.

"I think it creates two things for the city," said Visalia Mayor, Steve Nelsen. "Naturally, sales tax is a great benefit that funds our general fund but the other thing it does is create jobs."

This isn't the first project for DDG. The company has run out of space at an existing building in another area of the industrial park.

Mayor Nelsen says many companies in the northwest area near Plaza Drive, are looking to expand. Plus new businesses continue to express interest in building distribution facilities in Visalia.

Mayor Nelsen said, "We're so centrally located that we offer that 24hour turnaround service between here Southern California, Northern California so the locale is easily set for that overnight shipment."

The mayor says Visalia's industrial park already employs 5,000 people. As the city does their best to accommodate the new growth and lure new businesses, public works crews are also paving a path to make it easier.

Roads in the industrial park are in the process of getting a reclamite seal -- basically an oil that keeps the asphalt tough so it lasts longer. With more big rigs coming in and out of the area, the work keeps the roads smooth and safe.

Public Works Manager Norm Goldstrom explained, "We need to keep these roads maintained because it's very costly to rebuild the roads and it's a much less expensive, much more cost effective means to take care of them."

Once the city's industrial park is complete crews will continue the reclamite street servicing project in residential neighborhoods. Specifically in the northwest part of Visalia.