Q: I was wondering if anyone knows what is being built at the Sam's Club parking lot in the southwest; there seems to be some construction going on there.

- Janett Mendoza

A: City Planning Director Jim Eggert answered this one:

The construction is their fueling facility for members (similar to the fueling station in front of Costco). Another pad that is under construction next to Petco is a Del Taco restaurant.

Chili's also had building plans in for review to construct a new restaurant, but recently withdrew its application. It said it's no longer planning to build at Gosford Village because it's not able to secure corporate funding or support for new restaurant development at this time.

Q: When will Greystone Park and fire station be finished on Harris near Buena Vista? The fire station looks almost done, but the park hasn't even broken ground as it was planned to be done Spring 2009.

- David S. Petruncio Jr.

A: Nick Fidler, a city civil engineer in the Public Works Department, answered:

The city will advertise bids for construction of the park in early 2010. The project design was delayed because the scope of work was increased to include a parking lot, restroom and splash pad, which will be bid with the first phase.

These additional features were originally planned as a future phase, but due to the improved bidding climate, we are able to include them earlier than anticipated. (Note: These features will be added to the park as funds permit in the order listed).

Q: Do you know if and when the shopping center will be built on the corner of Allen and Brimhall?

- Barbara Benson

A: Developer Ron Froehlich said he's waiting for the economy to improve before moving forward with the neighborhood shopping center. No specific tenants have been identified, he said.

Q: I am wondering when the street will be finished on Kern Canyon Road and Mesa Marin Drive near Highway 178. It has been at this stage for months now.

- Rick Garcia

A: Rick Millwee, city construction superintendent, fielded the question:

The widening of Highway 184 at Mesa Marin Drive is on hold until AT&T poles can be moved out of the area to be paved. This area is being widened as part of the construction of a new storage facility on that corner.

I have contacted AT&T and they indicate that the poles should be removed from this area within the next three weeks. After the poles are removed, paving operations can take place and the roadway construction can be finished.

Ask The Californian appears on Mondays and -- we're announcing now -- Thursdays. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302.