We are one of the best cities in the nation and we like it that way. So, we are not complacent, we continue to plan for the future. Every five years we begin planning for the next five years. We are winding down on many of the strategies and capital improvements that were set in motion in 2015.
I’d like to provide the status on some of the landmark projects in our Santa Clarita 2020 strategic plan.
It is exciting to think how many are already complete! We’ve cut the ribbon and welcomed the public into the Old Town Newhall Parking Structure, we’ve successfully implemented the Traffic Safety Plan, completed the Arts Master Plan, the Golden Valley Bridge and Newhall Ranch Road Bridge Widening Projects, completed the new Sierra Highway pedestrian bridge, cultivated a blossoming arts and entertainment district in Old Town Newhall, acquired hundreds of acres of new open space and miles of streets have been slurry sealed and sidewalks repaved.
Projects currently under construction include the final two sites on the redevelopment block in Old Town Newhall – Laemmle Newhall and Newhall Crossings. The much-anticipated Laemmle Theatres broke ground last October and when complete will house a seven-screen art house movie theater and 2,300 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Newhall Crossings will provide over 20,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 47 residential units and a public plaza. Both projects are looking at a completion date in early 2020.
One of the landmark projects of the Santa Clarita 2020 plan is the brand-new Canyon Country Community Center. This new facility will transform the corner of Soledad Canyon and Sierra Highway, and greatly benefit the residents in Canyon Country and throughout Santa Clarita. If you drive by the site you will see a lot of work underway. Currently, Phase One of construction is taking place. This phase includes installation of a water infiltration system, upgrades to storm drains and the Mint Canyon Channel, as well as prepping the site for the actual building! Once complete, this building will be a vital community hub offering enrichment, arts, activities, learning opportunities, community events and so much more.
On Golden Valley Road between Sierra Highway and Centre Pointe Parkway, our brand-new Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station is taking shape. A joint effort with Los Angeles County, this new 46,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, Sheriff Station will feature a detached 4,000-square-foot vehicle maintenance facility, a heliport, 9-1-1 dispatch center, a jail and enough space to house the entire Sheriff’s team, now and into the future.
In Saugus, work continues to find the ideal site for a new library branch and arts center. All of these new projects will enhance the lives of our residents, while continuing to build upon the high-quality of life we all enjoy in Santa Clarita.
As a forward-thinking organization, the City will continue to thrive through good planning, hard work and solid implementation of important strategies. For more information and updates on all of our Santa Clarita 2020 plans, please visit SantaClarita2020.com. Now…time to start locking in projects for the next five years!
Mayor Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected]
