Earlimart grows with development

Luis Hernandez

May 10, 2016

EARLIMART – Armando Padilla drives into the White River Plaza parking lot in Earlimart and finds a parking spot. He turns off the engine to his pickup.

He now has to decide which of the three businesses that recently opened there he will choose first. He’s parked closest to Dollar General, the discount store offering groceries and household items.

There’s also AutoZone, the automobile parts store located right next to Dollar General.

Lastly, Padilla has the choice of walking over to McDonald’s, which opened late last month.

A short drive for the Earlimart resident to get groceries, fast-food or find a part for his truck, wasn’t possible a few months ago.

“You don’t have to go to Delano [now],” he said.

In part, that’s why the White Rive Plaza was developed, said Max Becerra, the shopping center’s developer..

“The goals of the White River Plaza are not only to raise the bar by bringing in the top national brand restaurants and businesses but additionally to show the local spirit and pride within the community of Earlimart,” Becerra said.

The shopping center in Earlimart is the latest commercial development in the southern Tulare County town. The stores will also help increase sales tax revenue to the county’s coffers, which could bring more resources to Earlimart.

The plaza’s development fewer than three years. The project broke ground on July 8, 2013. Dollar General opened in Feb. 2014 and Auto Zone opened last winter. According to county officials, Dollar General has developed a loyal clientele already, making the Earlimart store one of the region’s top performing locations.

The development have also meant a boost in employment. The three locations have combined to create more than 80 new jobs.

White Water Plaza in Earlimart includes McDonald’s,

 “For the people here, that’s good,” Padilla said. Earlimart has about 9,000 residents.

Roberto Baldovinos walked into the auto parts store carrying a car battery for an exchange. He’s happy he will be saving money and time by staying in town.

“I don’t have to drive to Delano, Visalia or Tulare,” he said. “Whatever part I need, I can get it here, even if it is tools or lubricants.”

Dinner is also made easier.

“On days I get off work late, I can just pick up a hamburger for dinner,” he said, smiling.

Based on the residents’ reaction to the development, county officials said they believed the plaza was going to be a success before it even opened.

Earlimart residents would bring gifts such fresh fruit, home-baked goods and other refreshments to the construction workers at the site, said Michael Washam, Tulare County Economic Development manager.

Baldovinos said the welcoming feeling goes well beyond the shopping center.

“Everybody in town is talking about the news,” he said. “It’s as if a child has been born. Everybody is talking about it.”

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/local/2016/05/10/earlimart-grows-development/84214390/