CHANDLER, AZ -- Plans for a new shopping center in Chandler appear to be going forward.
The Chandler City Council approved a zoning change for RED Development's Paseo Lindo shopping center last month.
The development is planned for the northeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road.
RED Development calls the development a "lifestyle village." It will include major and junior retailers. The City of Chandler's planning department says a Target store is also planned for the site.
SEE MOCK-UPS OF THE PROPOSED SHOPPING CENTER IN THE ATTACHED SLIDESHOWRED also owns another shopping center, Fulton Ranch Town Center, which is just across the street from the new project.
Chris Ruh, who owns the "iSold It" store in the Fulton Ranch shopping center doesn't see the new project as competition. He thinks in the long run it will benefit his own business.
"I think having more draw in the area is important for the businesses trying to survive in this area right now. The more foot traffic we get the better off we're going to be," he said.
The new Paseo Lindo will have more than a Target store. There will be so-called "Junior" retailers, fast-casual and sit-down restaurants as well as specialty shops.
The project is a joint effort between RED Development and Cachet Homes, which is building homes on a 27-acre site to the north of the commercial development.
Many of the smaller storefronts at the two existing shopping centers on nearby corners have several empty storefronts with "Available" signs on them.
Shoppers we talked to say they'd like more choice in this part of the Valley.
"I would like to have bigger stores, a craft store like a Michael's, and a Trader Joe's and even a little movie place wouldn't hurt," said Valley resident Joanne Muir.
Tina Verdooran says she'd welcomed more choices as well.
"I like to stay locally in Chandler. I don't like to go all the way to Mesa, I like to do business where I live," Verdooran said.
According to RED Development's website, the Paseo Lindo shopping center will open in phases, with the first opening in the Fall of 2010.
Messages left with the company were not returned.
