Residents Resist Proposed Building Development In Northern Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - Residents of northern Santa Maria are speaking out against a proposed development on a currently empty lot.

Located at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Hidden Pines Way, it’s right next to a roundabout and just across the street from Tommie Kunst Junior High School.

Developers EHD Studio Architecture and Landscape Design want to change the zoning of the neighborhood and develop townhomes, apartments, fitness facilities including pickleball courts, and commercial lease space for businesses.

Residents of the neighborhood are voicing concerns that this would overpopulate the area.

Their main concerns involve traffic and pedestrian safety, specifically during school rush hours.

Neighbors say both roundabouts next to Tommie Kunst already get congested when students are coming and going from school.

Adding a mixed-use development that includes businesses could cause even more issues, and neighbors say the city might even end up having to install traffic signals.

City officials say this development is a proposal currently under review, and a decision has not been made.

Public input is welcome at the City Council and Planning Commission meetings next week, even if the proposal does not appear on the agendas.

We have reached to the developer for additional comment and have not yet heard back.

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