Residential development on upswing

The Shafter City Council received a residential tract status report at a special meeting on Tuesday night, getting updated on the progress of residential projects in the city.

Santorini Estates, which is a housing development that has a total of 136 lots, is under construction, with 36 lots in the building phase. The project is in two phases.

According to the city Planning Director Steve Esselman, the main problem that the developers have run into is the supply of materials not being available in a timely manner because of the covid pandemic. "During this period, it was very difficult to get materials and equipment to get these tracts built," he said.

Shafter has 1,076 lots in different stages of readiness. The majority of the lots are in the development phase, with designing and planning in process.

The Santorini development, on West Tulare Avenue, vary in price, from the mid-$200,000s, and have a variety of floor plans.

Additionally, Public Works Director Michael James gave the council an update on capital improvement projects underway in the city. "One of the projects that is almost complete is the lighting improvement project at Mannel Park. The cost of this project came in under budget at $149,000," he said.

Also ongoing are the park projects at Kirschenmann Park and Veterans Park. "We are building parking lot improvements and shade structures at Kirschenmann Park that will give the park a better draining system in the lot, as well as providing shaded areas that are needed at the park."

At Veterans Park, the city is adding two basketball courts and lighting. This project includes a lighted basketball court. "This project is moving forward quickly and should be completed in the near future," James said.

This project is funded by Clean California, at a cost of approximately $300,000.

Another project that is grant-funded is the Shafter Aquatic Center improvements. This project includes the resurfacing of the pool and rebuilding of the deck, as well as improvements to the restrooms and changing area. This project is valued at about $3 million, and is expected to be completed by next summer.