Local news source says that Newhall Redevelopment plans have been put on indefinite hold as of last week.

There is an unconfirmed story going around town that the City of Santa Clarita decided to put its plans for the Old Town Newhall Revitalization Project on indefinite hold as of last week.

If so, this is likely a result of all the uproar over the closing of the landmark Newhall Hardware store and the impact the City’s redevelopment efforts have had on all of the businesses in the Downtown Newhall area affected by the recent parking and traffic flow changes. Not to mention those along Spruce Street, which will be displaced shortly if the City’s plans for that area continue.

It’s been interesting to read the public outrage about the closing of Newhall Hardware, and how Santa Clarita residents are becoming very outspoken against a redevelopment plan that basically demolishes a lot of the area’s history. Until the Newhall Hardware issue came up, the local residents didn’t seem to care much about what went on in Old Town Newhall.

It’s sad to think that Newhall Hardware had to close its doors in order for Santa Clarita residents to open their eyes to see what’s really going on in Old Town Newhall. Hopefully the positive side to this will be that the remaining Downtown Newhall businesses will be spared from similar fates.

If this rumor is true, then I have to say that I’m proud of the Santa Clarita residents who took the time to write Letters to the Editor and other articles to make their opinions heard on this important issue. That’s the beauty of having local government instead of County government - we can definitely make a difference in our community. The City didn’t seem to listen when it was just the business owners complaining, but once the outrage became community-wide, there was no way City staffers could ignore the tidal wave that was created.

If you have additional information regarding this issue, please feel free to comment below!

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