New retail development coming to Watsonville

UPDATE: The city council unanimously voted to transform a WWII hangar on Aviation Way near the Watsonville Municipal Airport into a multi retail aviation themed tourist destination and neighborhood hangout.

“It will be beneficial for the community and the airport,” said Watsonville Municipal Airport Manager Rayvon Williams.

New businesses aren’t set in stone yet. Options including a bakery, craft brewery and outdoor dining space are currently being considered.

“So it’s going to create this hub of activity that’s going to draw in people and create that destination,” said Watsonville Mayor Felipe Hernandez. “Create that sort of place where people want to come sit down, people watch, and have a craft beer.”

Williams believes it will bring more visibility and an economic boost.

“It helps the airport because any dollars that we can generate here it allows me to put them back into things such as runway extension, improving taxi ways,” said Williams.

City officials said there have been some concerns expressed about the project. Neighboring businesses spoke up about parking concerns, not being told about the project and it creating competition for local restaurants.

“Staff diligently addressed those issues and reached out to all the neighbors and created street parking which right now is not allowed,” said Hernandez.

The city said more projects like this are in the works. City leaders also voted to create a Community Revitalization and Investment Authority, spearheaded by Assemblymember Luis Alejo. It’s focused on attracting more businesses and affordable housing.

“This tool will be important for them to have better opportunities and investment come to their local communities,” said Alejo.

City officials said developers have 18 months to complete the airport project. They are currently looking for tenants to go inside the hangar.

ORIGINAL STORY: Watsonville City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to turn a WWII hangar into a new business hub.

City officials say the hangar on 45 Aviation Way could house anything from a bakery to a brewery, with room for outdoor dining and more.

They also believe it will bring in people from all over the Central Coast, making it more of a tourist destination.

The Watsonville Municipal Airport says economic impact from the project will help them maintain operations and maintenance.

KION’s Maya Holmes will have more at 5 and 6.