Third time's the charm for Moose Lodge developer

On Oct. 8 the Tehachapi Planning Commission was finally able to give the go-ahead to Rudy Ramirez for the development of the old Moose Lodge at 123 West F St. The Commission had been unable to reach a quorum at their two prior meetings. Ramirez plans to develop the facility as a restaurant, meeting facility and venue for parties and weddings. Ramirez said that the facility will have amplified music at which time he agreed the outside doors will be closed. All events must end by 11 p.m. Commissioner White had to recuse himself from voting as his house is across the street. Development Services Director Jay Schlosser apologized to Ramirez for the voting delay and approval passed 3-0.

Also receiving a green light from the Planning Commission was the development of the building at 122 S. Green St. , the prior home of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. The store has been purchased by Mountain Top R.E. Holding, LLC who presented a concept plan for the location. Appearing on behalf of Mountain Top, Nikki Cummings outlined the project and answered questions adding "we have a real vision for this space."

Approximately a third of the building is planned to be a cafe serving healthy whole food and a cold pressed juice bar. Roll-up doors will open onto Centennial Plaza. The majority of the remaining space will be a co-work space. It will offer private offices as well as offices, work spaces and meeting rooms that can be rented on a daily basis to people who work from home and need meeting space without the overhead of a private office. The space is planned to include a breakroom, coffee and refreshments, utilities, printer services and a receptionist among other amenities. Cummings said that, space permitting, they are also considering a beauty bar on the lower floor.

"This is just the kind of revitalization we have been looking for," said Jay Schlosser, adding that it will be great for telecommuters. Projects like this "are the hallmark of a vibrant town," he added.

"This is a proud day for our city," said Michelle Vance who in the past has worked for both Mainstreet Tehachapi and the City.

Schlosser presented and the Commission approved a new updated Capital Hills Specific Plan replacing the original 1989 plan and bringing it into compliance with the City Master Plan. Recent developments have made the old plan obsolete. These include the hospital and plans for the High Speed Rail. Schlosser said that the Capital Hills area was originally planned to be a "technopolis" before the bubble burst in 2008. Areas currently unzoned will become agriculture and open space and the remaining is now divided into seven sections of mixed residential and commercial. As the High Speed Rail is currently slated to run through the middle, a version had to be presented accounting for that as well.

The Planning Commission also approved the fourth project, the expansion of a light maintenance service building at Love's Truck Stop.