New Additions Coming to Fresno
New Projects Coming to Fresno
New projects are coming to Fresno in order to modernize the city, once a post-gold rush settlement, the city of Fresno has come a long way from its humble origins. This median-sized city is well on its way to becoming the jewel of central California due to its rising population as well as its convenient position in California's fertile Central Valley. The city of Fresno is one that fell into disrepair following a country shaking controversy that arose in the 1960s when city officials were convicted of taking bribes in exchange for rezoning farmland into housing developments. This controversy was enough to destroy the public's perception of the city's leaders, leading to a decrease in investment in the city's most profitable industries like agriculture and machinery. Recently, investments in real estate as well as the entertainment sectors have led to a rebirth in Fresno's status as a destination city. Opened in 2002, Chukchansi Park was built to house 15,000+ fans for events ranging from motocross to taco competitions and even soccer matches. The Save Mart Center is another addition to the entertainment sector, a building that is built for 15,000 attendees on the low end. Since 2003 there have been increasingly more important events since the building was constructed, starting with minor league hockey games and most recently hosting a UFC Fight Night event. The beautification of Fresno is due to the influx of funds from officials looking to restore the city.
Grants
In 2023, the city of Fresno voted on a proposal that would see nearly $45 million be allocated for downtown infrastructure. Critics point to the small percentage of the grant being used to fix existing infrastructure. Reportedly, only $913,000 will be set aside to improve existing roads, the rest of the considerable sum will be used to build a nearly $12 million parking structure, and the rest will be used for various infrastructure improvements in sewers, plumbing, as well as drinking water framework. Mayor Jerry Dyer responded to critics saying that the new developments are to "create a vibrant downtown" and promised that "there will be walkable neighborhoods." However, these new developments may have to be put on hold due to recent economic hardships in the state, Governor Gavin Newsom predicted a deficit in excess of $35 billion statewide. This reduction in funds will delay the grants allocated to Fresno for at least a year, the new housing units have been placed on hold. In addition to the $45 million grant for downtown housing unit infrastructure, the city of Fresno will receive another grant of $250 million to expand the city's aging Chinatown, extending the current 3000 housing units to over 7000 units complete with infrastructure like public transportation, improved plumbing, and modern lighting. Though confirmed by the Governor's office, the timeline for these construction projects remains a point of contention for residents of Fresno.
