By Neena Strichart
Publisher
Although the construction climate in other areas of the country may be bleak, it seems that “growth” is the watchword for the city of Signal Hill.
On the retail horizon for the 2.2-square-mile city are Ross Dress for Less and Fresh & Easy. Positioned at opposite ends of town, the two chain establishments are moving forward and, according to city sources, it appears that Ross, located in the Gateway Center near the corner of California Avenue and Spring Street, will have its grand opening sometime next month.
“Our understanding on Ross is that they’ll be opening in mid-July,” said Gary Jones, Community Development director, earlier this week. “It certainly completes the occupancy of the major stores (for the Gateway Center), and now with four category, killer stores (Ross, Home Depot, Dollar Tree and Petco), it will inspire the smaller users (such as) In-N-Out and make them more enthusiastic about completing the center,” continued Jones.
Locals have been looking forward to the opening of the fast-food restaurant In-N-Out Burger since it was first named as a possible resident of the Gateway Center. However, Jones reported that the project is still on hold since it ran into geo-technical problems. “They had to revisit the agreement,” he said.
Across town, the Fresh & Easy looks to be nearing the completion of its newest store. Located across from the city’s first Home Depot at Cherry Avenue and Burnett Street, the grocery store chain has not committed to an opening date. Jones reported that although it may be finished physically within about 60 days, it may not be open right away. “It’s a decision to be made by corporate— they have their internal reasons.”
