Plans slow, but retailers, restaurants still coming to Los Banos, Calif.

Dec. 26--They're still coming to town, it just may be a little while before they get here.

Officials in the Planning Department are saying businesses that have proposed locating in or near two shopping centers on the west end of the city have not cancelled their plans.

Planning Director Paula Fitzgerald said many businesses are simply choosing to not start construction at the moment.

"I think they're scared of the market," Fitzgerald said.

At the Stonecreek Plaza, which is already home to Target and Lowe's, some construction is occurring but its not as much as anticipated.

According to Permit Coordinator Janell Birdsall the two buildings being constructed at the Ortigalita Road and Highway 152 shopping center are Petco and Famous Footwear. Birdsall said Applebee's is searching for a contractor, Fashion Bug and Starbucks have not received building permits and Game Stop is working on its implementation plan. All of the stores are planned to open in Stonecreek Plaza.

In the lot to the east of Stonecreek Plaza, Longs Drugs, El Pollo Loco, Tractor Supply Company, Oil Can Henry's and Jack in the Box are planned. Birdsall said as of Tuesday only Jack in the Box and Tractor Supply Company had pulled building permits. She said a permit was also pulled for a shell building, but no tenant has been named. El Pollo Loco is in discussions with the Planning Department regarding routine procedural issues, according to Birdsall.

There is no word on when the stores that have obtained building permits, or are currently under construction, will open to the public.

Planning Commission Chairman Steve Hammond said the reluctance of businesses to build right after the country was officially deemed to be in a recession does not concern him.

"Why open up if it's going to be bad?" Hammond asked. "Obviously they're going to do what they have to do."

Mayor Tommy Jones said he is encouraged because the businesses are still interested in coming into the city.

"You don't just invest a million dollars and walk away," Jones said. "They are making it very clear the location they want to be is Los Banos."