North Fresno retail project moves forward after neighborhood meeting addresses noise, traffic concerns

A long-planned retail center at Maple and Behymer avenues in North Fresno is moving ahead after the developer met with more than 50 nearby residents to address concerns about noise, parking, and traffic — a community meeting organized by City Councilmember Nick Richardson after construction activity raised questions from neighbors.

Bottom Line Group, the Fresno-based developer, received city permits for the project in December 2021. The Planning Commission upheld those approvals after an appeal in January 2023. Construction resumed this year after the project had remained dormant.

“I don’t like things being built in people’s neighborhood without them knowing what’s going in there,” Richardson said.

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Jay Virk, who leads Bottom Line Group, said neighbors at the July 8 meeting at Me-N-Ed’s Pizzeria wanted to know how the development would affect them. “They were worried about noise. They were worried about the drive-thru. They were worried about what type of tenants are coming there, parking,” Virk said.

The developer wasn’t required to hold the meeting — the project had already cleared all city approvals. Richardson said it was informational only.

Bottom Line removed a previously proposed car wash from the three-acre project because of noise concerns. “We eliminated a car wash because of noise … on our own basis because we know what to build where and what’s going to be beneficial,” Virk said.

Earlier plans identified prospective tenants including a coffee shop, sandwich shop, offices, and a salon.

Richardson said residents appreciated the developer’s willingness to meet and the project’s revisions. “The residents had good, informed concerns and points of view, and the developer did a really good job assuaging their concerns,” he said.

The Breakdown

• The Fresno Planning and Development Department approved permits for the retail center in December 2021
• The Planning Commission upheld those approvals after an appeal in January 2023
• Construction resumed in 2024 after remaining dormant
• The developer removed a car wash from the plan in response to noise concerns raised by neighbors
• The project covers approximately three acres at the northeast corner of Maple and Behymer avenues

What This Means for You

The approvals for this project were upheld by the Planning Commission in January 2023. Richardson organized this meeting even though the developer had no legal obligation to attend.

What to Watch

This meeting happened after construction started and neighbors noticed. The developer removed the car wash voluntarily. Virk said Bottom Line eliminated it “on our own basis because we know what to build where and what’s going to be beneficial.”