I heard a report from former channel 17 anchor Gaylen Young that some kind of industrial complex was going in there, but it's still a few years away from what I heard.  I work at Carquest and see the green fence and construction vehicles tearing up what used to be a field that produced different fruits (I'm not sure what, though).

Also, a commercial truck business makes sense here.  Just look at all the industrial businesses around the area.

As for food, more options will be needed.  Starbucks and Subway just to start.  I wouldn't mind seeing a KFC, Long John Silvers, Burger King, or Wendy's out there.  Or maybe some other fast food chain that isn't in Bakersfield yet.  One of my co-workers always tells me he wishes a Taco Bell would be built out there.

Nancy, so that's how the driving range got into the hands of the latest owner.  I was told that the driving range property is still under the same owner, only that he decided to abandon his pursuit of making it a golf academy of his own.  Futhermore, he went back to Korea as the prodigal son to take over his father's successful business.  It's a shame because he was a very nice guy, but couldn't compete with the other golf courses because of the odd location. 

However,  with all this new development in this area, this might be a blessing in disguise for him...

P.S.  Schuster, sorry for deviating away from the topic, but I still wouldn't mind driving all the way to the Automall! 

If memory serves, the owners of Strokecutters sold out and the name probably changed then.  My ex son in law left there to take over management of the Kern Valley Golf Course so I lost touch with the local driving ranges.  I also lost my free buckets of balls.  ;-)

There was a blog a while back on haunted places around the area and someone posted "the abandoned driving range" with the window all broken out.  I chuckled since it isn't old and is really modulars put together...no character.    No self respecting ghost would even hang out there. 

Although, the torn netting does look sort of  "haunting."

Nancy, sorry I have no clue what they plan to build there.  I know they are in for a noisy neighborhood with the airplanes flying over.

Is that what the golf practice facility used to be call?  Several years ago before it shut down, it was called something like Tour Pro Shots.

No clues on the grading of the land I mentioned though?

It's a shame Strokecutters shut down.  My ex son in law used to be a golf pro there and I spend a good bit of time there.  Of course my golf clubs are glued to the garage wall by cobwebs so I guess it's not a big deal for me.  I have fond memories of sitting at a table there with Buck Owens while he talked about his younger years.  And golf..lol.

Nancy,  the other hotel being built is right behind La Quinta Inn & Suites.  That will be the Hampton Inn & Suites with the target opening of Feburary 2008.  My mom and I used to go to the golf practice range on Hwy 65 before it closed down several years ago.  Our legs would tremble from the booming sound of airplanes flying over the practice range whenever we saw one leaving the airport.  We didn't think residential homes or hotels should be built in that area and north of it. 

I'm hearing several different things about a truck stop being constructed in the area.  I've been told that the truck stop before the Grapevine will be closed due of leasing problems.  The same company that owns that one is looking at building one on or near Highway 99.  To me, it makes sense since there is another truck stop near Buttonwillow serving truckers traveling on I-5.  It sounds like this new truck stop will similar in size or better with its own weighing station.  So mini truck stop would probably be an understatement! 

Yes, the Harley Davidson is doing well.  It has been the main attaction for bikers several times this year.  There is non-profit organization that will be making a stop in the area on August 15th.  They're called Ride for the Heart.   

Honorerdieu ..Do you know what's going in on 65 between Strokecutters and Jack In The Box?  I drive that way to work about 3 times a week and am always curious when I see apparent streets being carved out.  You mentioned another hotel..would that be it?

That area may not ever be "residentially" commercial but it sure looks like it will be "commercially" commercial.  And  mini truck stop?  Would that be one similar to Bruces?  Back in the day, the little coffee shop (used to be Bob's) on Norris used to be part of a sort of truck stop ...it wouldn't hurt to have one closer to town.

Looks like the Harley folks made a good move since it's getting busier in that area.  (my son motopoet likes it because it's easer to get to frim his Rosedale home and they have more parking.)

Yes Nancy, the commercial building being built next to Denny's will be Subway and Starbucks. 

schuster,  it was my understanding that the auto dealerships wanted a new location to provide maintenance service for existing owners. 

But the new area is lacking entertaininment and restaurants.  Every day at lunch, my options are limited to Jack In the Box, McDonald's, Denny's, or Champ BBQ's.   I think many existing business owners and corporations would prefer to have more restaurants in the area to help boost activity in northeast area.  I'm fine with having two auto dealerships, but I don't want to see this area filled up with a second Automall. 

The La Quinta Inn & Suites already serve corporate guests in the area.  Hampton Inn & Suites will not too far behind.  Starbucks Coffee and Subway is expecting to be opened in September if everything goes well.  And I am hearing there is a semi truck stop planned to be built somewhere next Highway 99 near CarQuest within the next 3 years.  The new airport already own the land surrounding their existing property for future expansion.

Not to steer too far from the topic, but I agree with you in that I wouldn't be turned off by a longer drive.  It's only what, 10 to 15 minutes from Northwest Bakersfield on Higyway 99?  I'm not sure if the auto dealerships will be successful in this area, but I'll be ready to eat crow if I'm wrong. 

I don't know much about auto dealerships, but I do know a thing or two about the importance of finding a good location.  If there is a high demand for a new location, especially for the people of Northwest Bakersfield, Oildale, Shafter, and towns up north -- it makes sense. 

However, the new area is lacking what the downtown area have, commercial businesses such as restaurants and entertainment to make it more convenient for incoming travelers from the new airport and Highway 99 North.