Updated
Updated · Bakersfield Now · Aug 21
Costco Proposes 185,000-Square-Foot Store Near Shafter-Bakersfield Border as Traffic Concerns Grow
Updated
Updated · Bakersfield Now · Aug 21

Costco Proposes 185,000-Square-Foot Store Near Shafter-Bakersfield Border as Traffic Concerns Grow

1 articles · Updated · Bakersfield Now · Aug 21

Summary

  • A nearly 185,000-square-foot Costco is proposed at 7th Standard Road and Calloway Drive near the Shafter-Bakersfield border, potentially becoming Bakersfield's third location.
  • Residents near the site welcomed the added shopping option but said already-heavy morning traffic on Calloway Drive could worsen during construction and after the store opens.
  • Developer Jim Halferty said the plan includes widening two-lane Calloway Drive to four lanes, along with other city-required traffic measures and infrastructure upgrades.
  • The broader project would include 10 buildings, with 40,800 square feet of additional retail, commercial and restaurant space spread across eight separate buildings.
  • City Councilman Bob Smith said he expects the project to clear environmental review, underscoring local confidence that the area can support the development.

Insights

Will the developer's ambitious road expansions actually cure the Shafter-Bakersfield border traffic nightmare, or just attract more gridlock?
Could the convenience of a massive new Costco bring unexpected spikes in retail crime to the quiet Gossamer Grove neighborhood?