The Habit Burger Grill coming to Salinas March 2020
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) A swell of new businesses are coming to a popular shopping area in North Salinas, but with that economic boon comes concerns over more traffic and congestion in an already packed area.
The shopping hubs of Harden Ranch Plaza and Northridge Mall off of North Main Street were the center of last-minute Christmas shopping on Tuesday.
Hundreds of shoppers rushed in and out of Target to finish out their gift buying in the morning.
"The lines are a little long, but that's worth waiting for because it's Christmas," said Michell Stephens, a North Salinas resident.
"Crazy! There are so many people. Might be the end of my sanity today, but we're good," said Sue Kaupie, a Salinas shopper.
Northridge and Harden Ranch are popular places to eat and shop for many Salinas residents. The Habit Burger Grill has announced they are opening up in March 2020, using a portion of the space that used to be part of Mattress Firm, which is still in business.
Northridge Mall recently added several new dining choices to residents, and they are still expecting a new Chick-fil-A and a Steak 'n Shake in the near future.
"Driving is hectic, very much so," said John Beard, a Salinas resident.
While many are excited for the new offers, some are concerned about the new traffic congestion it might bring to the area, especially when thousands of new homes are slated for construction north of Boronda Road in the next few years.
"Well, with the population, I think it ought to be spread out a little bit more because I think it's a little too condensed out here anyway," said Beard.
Harden Ranch has plans with the city to install new traffic lights at an enter/exit intersection between Olive Garden and Auto Zone next year to try and reduce the number of accidents that have happened there.
Other residents are simply excited to see the new additions coming to their favorite places to go.
"Yeah, it might change a little bit of the traffic, but I don't think it's going to really disrupt too much of the traffic flow through here," said Stephens.
