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Taft planning director reports on West Kern economic alliance, code enforcement and local events
Summary
Planning staff summarized a recent West Kern Economic Development Alliance meeting, noted stalled housing projects and builder shortages, and commissioners praised recent code-enforcement cleanup and promoted the city’s report-a-concern web tool and upcoming Older Auto Days.
At the Feb. 5 meeting the City of Taft Planning Director reported on a recent West Kern Economic Development Alliance meeting and several local updates including code-enforcement work and community events.
The planning director said the West Kern meeting at Taft College drew more than 40 participants from city and county government, Taft College, school district staff, the chamber of commerce and local businesses. The director described the alliance as a networking group for the West Side subregion and said meetings will be held every other month at rotating member cities.
Staff and commissioners discussed housing and development impacts from the alliance. The director said Sandy Creek Estates has paused construction and that the city has not yet found a new builder to continue that tract; downtown multifamily sites await developers as well. The director described the alliance as an opportunity to share jurisdictional updates and to seek regional help with local housing needs.
Commissioners also recognized recent code-enforcement work. One commissioner thanked code enforcement for "cleaning up 211 Center Street," saying crews removed hazardous materials and secured electrical panels. Planning staff reminded the public that the city website includes a "report of concern" button that sends reports to the police chief and code-enforcement officer; staff said the online form routes by category and allows anonymous submissions.
Commissioners and staff noted preparation for community events: one commissioner said Older Auto Days is 246 days away and that vendor and participation information is available through local channels. The director also reported a county supervisor toured Taft and county staff and the city have been coordinating on cleanup efforts and other local priorities.
No formal action was taken on these reports; they were informational items the commission received as part of the planning director’s report.
