New Starbucks planned for Capital Hills

At their Jan. 13 meeting, the Tehachapi Planning Commission approved a multi-tenant retail center to be located on the southwest corner of Capital Hills Pkwy. and Voyager Dr., between the Holiday Inn and the on-ramp to Hwy. 58.

The retail center, proposed by Jeremy Manning of Paul Dhanens Architect, Inc., includes 6,055 sq. ft. of retail space including an 1,855 sq. ft. Starbucks with drive-thru. The plan includes a parking lot with 49 parking spaces. Per Planning Commission guidelines, the architecture will be “contemporary mountain” including some stone and/or wood accents.

There was a question as to airport compatibility since that part of Capital Hills is near the end of the runway. However, a specialist from engineering firm Mead & Hunt that specializes in airport planning has confirmed and filed a document that there is no problem with thr location of the project.

The Commission voted their approval contingent on a plan to direct traffic to the Starbucks drive-thru window without obstructing others parking in the lot, a problem seen at the Starbucks on Tucker and Tehachapi Blvd. There will be no entrance on Capital Hills Parkway and only one on Voyager Dr.

At this time there is currently no proposed start date for the project.

The Tehachapi Planning Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Wells Education Center, 300 S. Robinson St.