BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) A long-troubled stretch of downtown Bakersfield could soon get a major makeover at the site of the former Greyhound bus depot, once a gateway into the city that later became known as a hot spot for crime.
With Greyhound services moved to the nearby Amtrak station, the old depot has sat largely unused.
Now, the city of Bakersfield plans to build a new luxury apartment complex on the site called the Grey Hound Flats as part of a push to revitalize the downtown area.
The project has raised questions about whether new development could lead to gentrification.
Bakersfield plans luxury apartments at former Greyhound depot in downtown revival push (KBAK/KBFX)
Tom Simmons said he is unsure whether developers will balance high-end housing with affordability.
“I don’t know if they could split the difference between something that’s high end and something that’s affordable. But I’m sure the developers will try to get as much as they can,” Simmons said.
Others said they welcome changes to an area they associate with crime.
Dana Wilson, a Bakersfield local, said the departure of the bus station has already changed the atmosphere.
“The Greyhound station is gone. A lot of the riffraff is gone, so I think apartments would be a good spot for it,” Wilson said.
According to the Greyhound Flats website, construction on the complex is set to begin this year.
One city leader said the development could improve the area’s overall conditions.
Bakersfield plans luxury apartments at former Greyhound depot in downtown revival push (KBAK/KBFX)
City Councilman Andrae Gonzales said new housing and new uses for buildings can help strengthen the community.
“Or when we see new buildings find better uses. When we see new housing come in that actually improves the overall health and safety of our community,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales said he does not believe the project will displace current residents.
“There are so many, what we call soft spots, soft areas in downtown Bakersfield that haven’t seen any economic investment,” he said.
Bakersfield plans luxury apartments at former Greyhound depot in downtown revival push (KBAK/KBFX)
“We’re not displacing anybody. It’s actually a new use that contributes.”