Azalea Project Ceremony To Take Place

The Azalea Retail Project, an $80 million shopping mall that will be situated on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Firestone Boulevard, will have its groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at noon.

Local politicians are optimistic about the jobs that will be created once the 32-acre shopping structure is finished.

"This is the largest revitalization and development project in the City's history," said Mayor Bill De Witt, who actually abstained himself from voting on the project because of a potential conflict of interest. "The azalea regional shopping center is expected to create hundreds of jobs, and generate sales tax revenues to the city of at least $2.5 million per year after stabilization."  

Jobs for South Gate residents will be ensured through a local hiring program that the city negotiated into the agreement, said De Witt in a statement. 

The Azalea project had been in discussion for a very long time.

, the financing was finally approved after it was voted through the majority of the participating council.

Councilmember Henry Gonzalez gave sole votes against the project, expressing concerns over the amount of  of the project, as well as the amount of

The list of tenants has yet to be released.

However, Arturo Sneider, a founding partner of Primestor Development, has said in that the 370,000 square foot shopping center will include nationally recognized restaurants, retail shops and anchor stores. 

Walmart, has for a long time been rumored to be among 

The ceremony will take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 15, 2012 from noon to 2:00 p.m on the northwest corner of Firestone Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.

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