A proposed Costco development, accompanied by a gas station and several restaurants, is drawing apprehension from residents in the Bakersfield-area neighborhood of Gossamer Grove. While some see potential benefits, many are concerned about the impact on local traffic and the possibility of increased crime.
Tammy York, who lives opposite the planned site near Seventh Standard Road and Calloway Drive, initially welcomed the proximity of a Costco but now fears a surge in shoppers will exacerbate existing traffic issues. "Community Drive is already packed all the way back at 8 o’clock in the morning. I think the traffic is just gonna be the worst part of it," York told KERO-TV. She also expressed concerns about potential crime associated with a large retail center.
Her husband, Mike York, who moved to Gossamer Grove in 2020, acknowledged the area's growth and the inevitability of larger developments. While he initially found the idea of having a gas station nearby appealing, he shares his wife's anxieties regarding crime, particularly concerning a potential rise in homelessness and theft.
The developer, Jim Halferty, has stated that the project includes significant road infrastructure improvements designed to handle the anticipated increase in vehicle traffic. Plans include expanding Seventh Standard Road to six lanes and upgrading Calloway Drive to arterial roadway standards, with a new traffic signal at the main intersection. Halferty indicated that these road enhancements would be completed before the businesses open.
The development is slated to have five access points, with specific configurations along Seventh Standard Road and Calloway Drive intended to manage traffic flow. The central entrance on Calloway Drive is designated as the primary access point and will feature a new traffic signal.