How does Modesto attract big chain restaurants and shops? You may be the key
What would your dream Modesto shopping or dining experience be if you had the power to shape your community? Area residents have a strong interest in Chick-fil-A, The Cheesecake Factory, an additional Trader Joe’s location, Nordstrom Rack and even Cracker Barrel, previous Bee reporting found.
With so many possibilities, how much influence can a citizen really have in bringing a national chain favorite to town? Jessica Hill, Modesto’s director of community and economic development, has the answers.
“I would recommend an individual to contact our economic development department to let them know that there’s interest in bringing this type of business to Modesto,” she said. Department staff look at gaps in the market and existing services and will reach out directly to businesses to see what it would take to get them here.
Hill said the city can facilitate communication between businesses and property owners to find suitable locations. Keep in mind, because of zoning restrictions, not all locations are available even if they seem like a good fit.
There are industrial zones, different types of commercial zones, and residential zones, she explained. “Let’s say you wanted a big warehouse to go in where a shopping center was. That wouldn’t be allowed because that would be an industrial type versus a commercial type activity.”
The city outlines these zones for potential opportunities on its website and can step in to make accommodations when possible. Rezoning to accommodate a business requires approvals by the planning commission and sometimes the City Council. During the process, residents within 300 feet of the proposed facility will receive communication by mail informing them of this proposed change.
What should citizens do if they oppose a business coming into their area? “We always encourage citizens to voice any concerns that they have,” she said. “They can go directly to our department or economic development division.”
Here’s what one sought-after eatery looks for
Hill said she frequently hears community requests for Chick-fil-A and the city has been trying to build that partnership. Finding the right location is the challenge.
“For Chick-fil-A, they prefer right off the freeway. They prefer a big enough parcel to accommodate their long drive-thru. Trying to find what they’re looking for with the size of parcel has been something that the city of Modesto continues to explore,” she said.
In some cases, the city won’t even know of an interested business in the preliminary stages because private transactions occur between property owners and the national chain. In these cases, the city has little involvement besides approving building permits. This was the case with the recent closing of Marie Callender’s and the McDonald’s that will soon occupy the space.
Taking into account citizen requests, the economic development team recently attended the International Shopping Centers Conference in Las Vegas. Hill says, “One of the biggest things is relationship building. We’re creating those relationships and talking about, ‘This is what Modesto has, this what’s on the horizon, here’s all the other development that’s happening in Modesto.’ It helps create that relationship and interest by really sharing all the good things we’re already doing.”
The city encourages citizens to visit www.choosemodesto.com for more information on economic development and to submit requests for new business at www.choosemodesto.com/let-us-help. Residents can submit also submit requests by email to Planning@modestogov.com or call Jessica Hill at 209-577-5321.
The economic development department is also hosting a series of free workshops in August to develop an economic development strategic plan. Residents can give feedback on what they hope to see in their city and learn tools to develop sustainable growth. Check their website for further information at https://www.modestogov.com/CivicAlerts
