Still looking to grow: Master-planned community proposed in north Hanford

A slumping economy and housing market crash don't seem to stop Ennis Homes and Jim Clark.

Nearly a year after their grand plan was unveiled by the city, the two builders are officially seeking city approval to go forward with their joint venture, which would create a self-contained community where people can live, walk and shop in north Hanford.

Dubbed Villagio, the 326-acre proposed development proposes to bring a spectrum of homes, including a gated neighborhood, townhouse and apartments as well as a shopping center in the are spanning between 12th Avenue and the railroad tracks stretching from Fargo Avenue north to Flint Avenue.

The neighborhood blueprint for Villagio also includes a church, a park, walking and bike paths and a school.

"It would be along the line of what we call is smart growth principles," said Hanford City Planner Cathy Cain.

On Tuesday, the Hanford City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the environmental documents related to the proposed annexation and prezoning as well as a general plan amendment and the planned unit development for the project.

The Villagio plans call for a total of 1,428 housing units -- both rental and for sale -- and 12 acres of retail space.

If built, it would be one of the largest single mixed-use development in Hanford. But Villagio is not the first such project to be proposed in the city.

A Southern California developer is working on a 200-acre mixed housing project near the mall area north of Target. But the largest project by far is the $430-acre Live Oak community proposed for south Hanford by a Brentwood-based developer. Both projects still remain undeveloped.

Though similar, Villaio is the only project proposing to incorporate retail developments within the neighborhood.

The project, even if approved on Tuesday, will still have some hoops to jump through

Before the developers can start construction on the project, subdivision maps must be approved by the city. Subdivision map processes require public hearings.

Still, a question remains as to how quickly, or whether, the project might move forward, especially given the current economic conditions. The planned unit development permit would be good for two years. Once approved, the permit would be eligible for an extension, Cain said.

The planning commission meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Civic Auditorium, 400 N. Douty St., Hanford.

(The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.)