The land that Modesto's Costco sits on used to be in Salida's tax base. When Modesto annexed it into their city, they agreed to split the sales tax with Stanislaus County 50/50. Can you imagine just how much money Salida would have in tax revenue alone just from Costco? And that doesn't even take into account the other retail stores on that land. Then in 2009, Modesto annexed the land that Kaiser Hospital was built on which removed more tax base from Salida. The loss of tax base has hurt Salida to the point of having to contract out for fire coverage. And the wheels are in motion for it to happen again.
Perhaps the developer thinks the project will receive utilities more quickly than they would through the county. But they may have forgotten that every single Measures A & M vote to extend sewer service north of Kiernan into Salida Community Plan area has been voted down by Modesto voters. See the red area on the city's map here.
Another reason to push for a "quicker route" might be the rationale to get it built before anyone notices it and fights it. Many people note the empty Jack Rabbit warehouse on Kiernan and Tully, not to mention the many other warehouses sitting empty in the region. And the commercial environment for another sprawling Scannells warehouse is an unfriendly one at the state and community levels. Legislation was introduced to inhibit new warehouses in California. Scannells has had similar warehouse proposals rejected in other states. Additionally, a new California law slated to begin in 2026 could impact this Scannells project due to neighboring Gregori High School and nearby homes.
You can respond to the Notice of Preparation by March 27, 2025 and watch the March 20th online scoping meeting from 3-4pm. It's also recommended to attend the Salida Municipal Advisory Council meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 7pm at the Salida Library Community Room.
