New shopping center proposed in Madera Ranchos

MADERA RANCHOS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Residents in Madera Ranchos along Avenue 12 rely on a series of small shopping centers and eateries. But a fallowed 40-acre parcel of land across from Liberty High School is being eyed for a large shopping center.

Talk of the plan at Avenue 12 and Road 36 comes up often at the Madera Ranchos Barber Shop.

Barber Javier Felix said, "The younger community in the Ranchos thinks it's going to be great for all the jobs and it's going to be more convenient for a lot of us that live around here, and a lot of the older people - seniors in the community - don't want to see it change but it would be a benefit for them with the pharmacist and everything around here."

Some say the project could get cut short because of severe water restrictions.

Larry Powers of Madera Ranchos said, "It's just right now with the drought and the water situation, as far as I can see, that's the big issue for everybody out here."

G.C. Brown Developers proposes a half-million gallon water storage tank. But traffic congestion is another concern.

Madera County supervisors will vote on a general plan amendment to allow a center with a drug store, a convenience store, gas station, two fast-food restaurants and a library.

Andy Pal of Madera Ranchos said, "I'm all for it as far as the progress and that because down the street on 12 and 41 they're going to have competition."

Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce President Virginia Vick helped get one shopping center built and feels it's time for a new one.

Vick said, "We need to pick up on some of the stuff that is going into River Park. It doesn't hurt us to get some of that business out here."

Vick doesn't believe Madera Ranchos would lose its small-town feel if the project was approved.

Madera County supervisors take up the rezone vote for the project on Nov. 3 in a special meeting.