GM begins move to new test complex at YPG

The moving process has begun for General Motors' Desert Proving Ground, developed at Yuma Proving Ground through an enhanced joint-use agreement with the military. The new test complex replaces GM's aging and encroached-upon facility in Mesa.

  With the new complex nearing completion, the company has begun moving people and equipment to Yuma. Start-up of operations is expected in late May or early June.

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  About a month later than anticipated, Mementos will be moving to Pacific Plaza, 1335 S. Pacific Ave., Suite 208.

  The store closed for business at its existing location as of last Saturday to make the move. Owner Lisa Nickle hopes to reopen at the new location next Saturday. As part of its grand reopening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the store will host National Scrapbooking Day.

  Mementos carries scrapbooking and stamping supplies and has also added custom invitations for weddings and other special occasions to its lineup as the only authorized Envelopments dealer in Yuma.

  The store will have the same phone number of 782-5775.

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  A stocking permit has been issued for the new Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive, reported Alan Kircher, city of Yuma assistant building official.

  New furniture is arriving and being assembled , said Sarah Wisdom, library spokeswoman. Meanwhile, the stocking process of the 80,000-square-foot library has begun with books from storage, other branches and the opening day collection that's been on order from the vendor. A grand opening for the new library is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 21.

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  In other city of Yuma building activity, Kircher reported:

  • Plans have been submitted for renovations to the 4th Avenue Shops at 605, 607 and 609 S. 4th Ave. The work incudes a new facade for the front of the building, new parking lot in back, interior renovations and new restroom facilities.

  • A certificate of occupancy has been issued for the new modular classrooms for Head Start at Carver School. The buildings add 4,000 square feet.

  • A permit has been issued for an upgrade to the car wash for Barney's at 24th Street and Avenue B.

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  Bandanna Books, 395 S. Main St., will be closed for the summer, effective Tuesday, announced owner Maggie Elmer.

   "I'm sorry to have to do this," she said, but the high cost of operating the store for the summer during a time of low sales has forced the difficult decision.

  The longtime used book store will reopen for business in the fall, she said.

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  There are for-sale postings at Factory 2U and Fallas Paredes, off-price retailers located across the street from each other at Pacific Avenue and Palo Verde Street.

  The postings are by Duhs Commercial, a San Diego-based real estate company specializing in retail investments. The company can be reached at 1-619-491-0612.

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  Ed Whitehead’s Tire Country is having a grand opening of its location at 3414 E. 32nd St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, refreshments and even some race cars.

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  Today is National Pretzel Day and in honor of it, every customer at Pretzel Time at the Yuma Palms Regional Center will get a free original pretzel, no purchase necessary, announced owner Hala Awar. There is a limit of one per person.

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  There's been some activity by developers seeking final plat approval for new subdivisions. Some of the recent applications include:

  • A request by Dahl, Robins and Associates, on behalf of Jakolin, LLC, for approval of the final plat for the Villa Serena Subdivision at the northwest corner of Avenue 6E and 48th Street. The subdivision will contain about 33.36 acres to be divided into 81 residential lots, ranging in size from about 8,765 square feet to 19,374 square feet.

  • A request by Dahl, Robins and Associates, on behalf of LEEP, LLC, for approval of the final plat for the Eagle 20 subdivision at the southwest corner of Avenue C and the 36th Street alignment. The subdivision will contain about 19.92 acres to be divided into 23 residential lots, ranging in size from about 21,367 square feet to 50,953 square feet.

  •  The Yuma City Council granted approval to the final plat for the first phase of the Saguaro subdivision at the southwestern corner of 40th Street and Avenue 8E. Phase 1 consists of 59 acres and is proposed to be divided into one commercial lot of 22 acres, 62 medium-density residential lots and 84 low-density lots. Cholla Desert Land Inc. is the developer.

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Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.