Courtesy: Visalia Times


Former Vons spot in Visalia to be filled

by Eric Woomer

After being vacant for more than two years, the former VONS grocery store building is about to get a facelift.

But instead of filling the hole with another grocery store, it will be filled with soccer balls and fitness equipment.

During a Monday night Planning Commission meeting, the board voted unanimously to allow Vermeltfoort Architects of Fresno to take over the site on West Noble Avenue. And the new tenants couldn't come at a better time, some who frequent the shopping center said.

The plan is to convert the rundown grocery store into an indoor recreational facility with batting cages, exercise rooms, volleyball courts and the main attraction — futsal courts.

Futsal is a five-a-side indoor soccer competition played on a hard surface. The court will play host to local teams, including several futsal teams from Naval Air Station Lemoore.

"There are piles of trash outside Vons and this shopping center used to be so nice," said Jaime Franklins, who frequents the Scotty's Donuts shop and Cigarette 4 Less. "It's about time we start trying to bring some business to the empty buildings."

The Vons building has been vacant since 2008. Shortly after the store's closure, the CVS Pharmacy store moved locations, resulting in a second major retailer abandoning the shopping center. But senior city planner Paul Scheibel says it's a step in the right direction.

"The city is very glad the Vons building is back in use," he said. "This is really unique to the Central Valley, and it's a good thing to bring a legitimate business to the center."


More recreation
Visalia has gyms, but in a matter of months, those looking to narrow their goals will have a specialized fitness center to help them.

California Fitness Academy is moving to Visalia's light industrial area off Shirk Road and Pershing Court in northwest Visalia. According to Scheibel, the gym will not be open for regular public use, but instead will focus on individual and small-group training.

"This is not like In-Shape, it's a very specialized workout," he said.

The commission voted 4-0 to approve the site. It will be housed in the same area as many new or relocated Visalia businesses. Other businesses include Boingo's party place, Mangano Homes, Alarm King and Dancers Edge.


AT&T stealth tower
As AT&T Mobility spends more than $18 billion in the next year, Visalia is a key spot for adding cell sites and better connectivity, a company spokesman said.

The Planning Commission voted 3-1 to approve a 72-foot cell phone tower at Key West shopping center at Goshen Avenue and Akers Street. The tower will be disguised as a bell tower to match the aesthetics of the shopping center, Scheibel said. There was no objection by residents who live in the area of the shopping center, but the city's planning division recommended the commission approve a 63-foot tower. AT&T believes the 72-foot tower that was approved will better serve northwest Visalia residents. The cellphone company's John Britton said the tower has the potential to reach 3 to 4 miles.

"It's all about connectivity. More people want more access," he said. "We'll be able to increase reception and speed while increasing capacity and efficiency."

Commission Chairman Lawrence Segrue dissented on the vote because he believed the 63-foot tower would sufficiently service the area of Visalia. While AT&T said it would be able to serve many Visalia residents with the smaller tower, it may result in the addition of a future tower at another date.

The tower is expected to be completed by the end of fall.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com