Part of Madera County undergoing change as new master plan communities begin to go in

MADERA COUNTY (KFSN) -- Homes are just the beginning of growth in Madera County.

"They said they wanted walk able neighborhoods, they wanted trails, parks, and places where they can congregate and get together," said Riverstone Development Owner Tim Jones.

Riverstone Development could include 6,500 residential homes and 180 acres of commercial space off Highway 41 and Avenue 12. The master plan community is featured as a place to live and work.

One of those places includes The Lodge at Riverstone for people to enjoy the resort style pool. The wet edge pool also includes a spa and play area for kids. Jones said it is amenities like this that people want.

Riverstone is one of several projects planned in the Rio Mesa area plan, in southeastern Madera County.

Madera County Supervisor Brett Frazier said, "We're hitting it right in stride. We're having a lot of permits being pulled, a lot of homes are closing you see them being built out here."

Frazier said other developments are adding to the growth. Community Regional Medical Center will build a campus across the street from Riverstone and up a few miles on Highway 41; Tesoro Viejo Development will go in.

"Just these two developments alone are going to add $75-million in revenue to the county."

Supervisor Frazier said the projects will also bring jobs to the area.

"I mean, this is going to be a new town and we have this opportunity with a blank canvas to do it right."

In the future, Highway 41 is expected to be expanded to four lanes to keep up with motorists.

Home building could just be the beginning-- Supervisors estimate the Rio Mesa area plan along Highway 41 could bring as much as 35,000 homes over the next 30 to 40 years.